April 14, 2025
Ferris State softball standout Brooklyn Verbeek relishes program's growth, her future career helping kids and marriage
Finishing her college softball career and graduating this spring, Ferris State University third baseman Brooklyn Verbeek thinks about what she got right when she chose to be a Bulldog.
"I love it at Ferris State and have no regrets about coming here," Verbeek said. "I can't see myself being as happy anywhere else."
A big part of that happiness, and a point of pride, is being part of the groups helping to reestablish Ferris State softball's strength as a program.
Verbeek remembers hearing head coach Jake Schumann talk about one cornerstone of creating a championship softball program: culture.
"When Coach Schumann came to the program, his biggest thing was creating a successful culture," Verbeek recalled. "I think we've created that culture. We have a team of great leaders, athletes and people. We're all super motivated with great work ethic. We're there for each other on and off the field. That's a big part of what makes a great culture."
Growing the culture that Schumann talked about has helped lead the Bulldogs to more success, individually for the players and collectively as a team.
Twenty-eight games into the Spring 2025 season, Verbeek is swinging a solid bat at .260 with nine runs scored, 10 runs batted in, and four stolen bases while providing a solid defensive presence at third base this season.
She has also stepped into a leadership role – especially on the field, verbally.
"Confidence is important in softball. You've got to have confidence in yourself and in your team," said Verbeek, who has already graduated Summa Cum Laude with an Associate in Applied Science in Early Childhood Education. "You're there for your teammates, and you love that feeling of knowing your teammates are going to be there for you."
Verbeek, a 5-foot-10 Grandville native who graduated from Calvin Christian High School in 2021, has witnessed a positive attitude shift in the last few seasons.
The Bulldogs have made steady improvement from 19 wins in 2022 to 23 in 2023 and 25 in 2024.
Beginning the week of April 7, the Bulldogs already stand at 19 wins – with 16 games currently left on the regular-season schedule.
As the softball program continues improving, Verbeek feels pride and validation of her decision to choose Ferris State. It was more than a softball decision.
"I picked Ferris because it offers the child life concentration. Many other colleges in Michigan don't," she said. "It is only an hour away from home, and I got to play the game I love. I instantly fell in love with the campus and have felt incredibly blessed about the experience and opportunities Ferris State provided me on and off the field."
Verbeek maintains a positive mindset, "Although it has not always been easy, I would not trade my experience here for the world."
Verbeek is graduating Summa Cum Laude from the College of Arts, Sciences and Education on May 10, earning a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education featuring a concentration as a child life specialist – putting this Bulldog on track for her dream career.
Verbeek said child life specialists work in hospitals with children to help them navigate their healthcare journey and medical experiences. These specialists explain medical situations to patients in developmentally appropriate terms, play games with them, and help prepare them for medical procedures.
"Working with children in this manner is something I am excited to pursue," she said. "I want to pursue this career because a hospital can be a scary environment for children and their families. I want to be a positive light in their lives during a difficult time to help make their experience even a little bit better."
Completing her Ferris State journey with a successful softball career, multiple degrees and the training to be effective in her future career makes it all worth it.
This year is also noteworthy for Verbeek's personal life as she plans an Oct. 3 wedding with her fiancé, Brady Haisma.
"We've been together since high school, so we're excited," Verbeek said. "Planning a wedding while being a college athlete is no joke, but I wouldn't have it any other way."