Cheboygan area softball players to watch led by returning SAC player of the year VanFleet

CHEBOYGAN – I always look forward to softball season.

When you cover as many talented players as I’ve covered in the Cheboygan area throughout the years, it’s hard not to get excited. This year will once again be a treat as there’s quality players from Cheboygan, Inland Lakes, Mackinaw City, Onaway and Pellston.

As we near the start of actual games, here’s my softball players to watch for in 2024.

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CHEBOYGAN

Libby VanFleet, Senior – The two-time reigning Straits Area Conference player of the year is back for one final season with a loaded Cheboygan team. Pitching, fielding or hitting, VanFleet, a Grand Rapids Community College signee, is outstanding in every category.

Amelia Johnson, Senior – The Lansing Community College signee returns as one of Cheboygan’s most versatile players. She can field, she can pitch, and she can most certainly hit. Made the All-SAC first team a year ago.

Emerson Eustice, Senior – One of the area's most powerful hitters, Eustice is an offensive gamechanger for the Chiefs. Another SAC first teamer, Eustice will likely play first base again and see time at pitcher as well.

Emily Clark, Senior – A defensive rock in the outfield, Clark is an outstanding hitter and is coming off a junior campaign in which she earned SAC first team honors.

INLAND LAKES

Maggie Grant, Senior – This outstanding pitcher returns as a senior for an Inland Lakes team that earned a share of the Ski Valley Conference and won a district title in 2023.

Brooklyn LaBrecque, Junior – Fresh off a sensational sophomore season that saw her pick up All-Ski Valley first team honors as an outfielder, LaBrecque is back to provide the Bulldogs with elite defense and powerful offense.

Lexi Kovtun, Junior – Another talented pitcher, Kovtun’s shutout performance in a district final triumph at Rogers City was arguably the moment of last season for Inland Lakes. Brings power with her bat as well.

Jenna Stubbs, Sophomore – After starting at catcher as a freshman, Stubbs returns as one of the most talented young area players. Did a solid job behind the plate and offensively last spring.

MACKINAW CITY

Gracie Beauchamp, Senior – Returns as Mackinaw City’s starting catcher after earning All-Northern Lakes Conference second team honors last season.

Vanessa Groenewoud, Junior – Expected to be Mackinaw City’s No. 1 pitcher, replacing Marlie Postula, who was last year’s conference player of the year. One of the more experienced Mackinaw City players.

Rian Esper, Freshman – Another talented young Comet, Esper made the All-NLC team as an eighth grader last year.

ONAWAY

Kailyn George, Junior – Following an outstanding sophomore campaign that saw her earn Ski Valley first team accolades, George is back as an offensive and defensive threat for Onaway.

Marley Szymoniak, Sophomore – If there’s any young player who could deliver a breakout season, it’s Szymoniak, a speedy and solid all-around talent who picked up Ski Valley accolades as a freshman.

Charlotte Box, Junior– A quality utility player who brings experience to the table for the Cardinals. Earned Ski Valley honorable mention recognition as a sophomore.

PELLSTON

Ella Klungle, Sophomore – Broke out with a huge freshman campaign and earned Ski Valley second team accolades.

Lanie Irwin, Sophomore – Expected to be Pellston’s No. 1 pitcher and will also spend time at third base.

Brenna Willis, Sophomore – After a solid freshman season, returns to lead the Hornets’ infield at shortstop.

Others to keep an eye on

Presley Chamberlain (Cheboygan), Marley Couture (Cheboygan), Jordan Ashley (Cheboygan), Ella Kosanke (Cheboygan), Eva Carper (Inland Lakes), Jersey Beauchamp (Mackinaw City), Kenzlie Currie (Mackinaw City) Sadie Decker (Onaway), Layla Box (Onaway), Ema DeMaestri (Onaway), Allie Cameron (Pellston), Sadie Keck (Pellston)

Contact sports editor Jared Greenleaf at jgreenleaf@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter @sportsCDT

This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Taking a look at the Cheboygan area softball players to watch in 2024