Jacob Anderson has demonstrated remarkable success both on the baseball field and within his community, establishing himself as a dedicated and compassionate leader. As a key member of the baseball team, Jacob played an important role last season as the fifth infielder, finishing with a .255 batting average. This season, he will be stepping into the starting role at third base, where his skills, leadership, and determination will be vital to the team’s success.

Off the field, Jacob’s involvement in the community is equally impressive. He serves as the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Representative for the baseball team, actively participating in various initiatives aimed at giving back to others. Jacob has contributed to events like Teams for Toys, the Student Athlete Food Drive, and the Student Athlete Career Mixer, all of which serve to support both the local community and his fellow student-athletes.

Jacob’s leadership shines through in his work with organizations that support individuals with special needs. Through the baseball team, he has played a pivotal role in helping out with the Miracle League of Mid-Michigan, where he assists special needs youth as their ‘buddy’ during games on an adaptive rubberized surface. Additionally, Jacob has been involved with the Beautiful Lives Project, helping host a clinic for special needs youth, and with Team Impact, where the team adopted a six-year-old boy battling cancer, offering him love and support through a difficult journey.

Jacob is also a member of Athletes in Action on campus, participating in their Operation Christmas Child initiative, where he helps pack and send shoeboxes with Christmas gifts to children in need around the world. Looking ahead, Jacob plans to contribute to the City Rescue Mission, where he will assist in feeding and housing homeless individuals in the East Lansing area.

Whether on the field or in his community, Jacob Anderson exemplifies the qualities of leadership, dedication, and service. His passion for baseball is matched only by his commitment to making a positive impact on those around him, and he continues to be an outstanding role model for his peers.

“Jacob Anderson is the consummate student-athlete who represents our athletics department in the most incredible manner on the field, in the classroom, and in the community. He carries a 3.54 GPA and will graduate with a degree in kinesiology. He has a genuine desire to make his community a better place and consistently puts others ahead of himself while realizing the platform he has to impact those in need.”

—Melissa Tallant, Academic Coordinator, Michigan State