Inland Lakes’ Wandrie earns NFCA All-American softball honor
INDIAN RIVER – The honors keep coming in for Natalie Wandrie.
But this most recent award? Yeah, it’s bigger than many of the other ones she’s earned over the years.
Wandrie, who starred for the Inland Lakes softball team during her senior season, was recently recognized on the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) High School All-American third team.
Not only was Wandrie named to the squad, but she was also the only player from Michigan to earn a spot on any of the three NFCA All-American teams.
“Well, I was mostly stunned (about making the team),” said Wandrie. “I wasn’t expecting to even go that high in the awards, but yeah, it’s crazy. I’m the only one from Michigan on it, too, so I found it very outrageous. I’m very honored. It’s crazy to even think about.”
In addition, Wandrie was named to the All-Region team and Academic All-American team. The top two players on the All-Region team were eligible for All-American awards.
As a senior, Wandrie recorded a .678 batting average with 24 home runs, 59 total hits and 78 RBI for the Bulldogs, who won a share of the Ski Valley Conference championship and a second consecutive district title. Wandrie made the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association (MHSSCA) All-State first team, the All-Ski Valley first team, and was recently named the Daily Tribune’s 2023 Softball Player of the Year.
BEST OF THE BEST: A look at the 2023 Daily Tribune All-Area softball team
MORE: Inland Lakes softball stuns Rogers City in district final win
More good news for Wandrie is her softball career is far from over. Wandrie will look to make her mark playing for Lindsey Wilson College (Kentucky) next season.
“I’m very excited,” Wandrie said. “We’re hoping to go in my freshman year and hoping to win a national title. We want that red banner, so I’m very excited.”
Wandrie, Clancy in MHSSCA Senior All-Star Game
Technically, Wandrie’s high school career isn’t even done yet.
Wandrie, along with teammate Ryann Clancy, were selected to represent Inland Lakes at the MHSSCA Division 4 Senior All-Star Game at Davenport University on Wednesday, July 19.
“It means a lot to be able to play again with Ryann,” Wandrie said. “We’ve been playing since we were pretty much in diapers. It was a hard goodbye the first time, and when we heard we got to play together again, we were so excited. I’m excited and I hope it’s a great experience.”
Clancy looks forward to playing with her longtime teammate and one of her good friends one last time.
"I'm so excited to play with her," said Clancy. "She deserves the world and all the recognition."
Clancy also had a spectacular senior campaign for the Bulldogs, earning MHSSCA Division 4 All-State honorable mention recognition, All-Ski Valley first team honors, and a spot the Daily Tribune’s All-Area first team.
Wandrie and Clancy will be members of the Division 4 White Team during the contest.
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Inland Lakes’ Natalie Wandrie earns NFCA All-American softball honor
