Meet the 16 Petoskey area softball players to watch entering the 2024 season
For most teams throughout Emmet and Charlevoix counties a year ago on the softball field, it was a bit of a rebuilding season.
From young lineups and new coaching staffs, there were a lot of moments of growth that came out of the 2023 softball season.
And the hope is 2024 will be the season much of that talent really begins to take off.
Even still, there’s plenty of great players making a return to the field – particularly at the plate – with a host of athletes back to be excited about.
Below is that list (in no order) of players to watch for in the upcoming softball season, from down to East Jordan and up to Mackinaw City.
Alley Whiteford, East Jordan
An All-Lake Michigan selection a year ago, Whiteford brings back a .380 average to the lineup, along with 28 runs scored and 19 RBIs. She also had nine doubles and a trio of triples.
Alexis Cadarette, Petoskey
Only a freshman a year ago, Cadarette batted .398 and worked the base paths for 41 runs scored and 10 steals. She also had four triples, highlighting that speed.
Katelyn Dittmar, Boyne City
In 22 games a season ago, Dittmar led the Ramblers with a .466 average, while driving in 17 runs and scoring 15. She also had a .925 fielding percentage after 61.2 innings behind the plate.
Anna Kemp, Charlevoix
One of the most talented back to the area, Kemp smashed a .419 average last season with 10 doubles and two homers, then added 41 RBIs and 48 runs scored.
Katie Hansen, Petoskey
Had a breakout season at the plate with a .422 average for the Northmen, then added 41 RBIs and 29 runs scored. In total, Hansen had 15 extra-base hits.
Lillian Stone, East Jordan
A solid player at the plate and in the field, ended her junior season with a .340 average and an .860 fielding percentage at shortstop.
Lucy Uy, Boyne City
Continued to take a jump with Boyne City, earning All-LMC after hitting .383 with 17 RBIs and 30 runs scored. She also stole 16 bases.
Sydney Guerriero, East Jordan
Only a freshman a year ago, Guerriero put together a .394 average and also added nearly 30 innings in the circle and had an .875 fielding percentage.
Vanessa Groenewoud, Mackinaw City
Comets have to replace a lot of talent across the board, but Groenewoud will help after earning all-district honors a season ago.
Danyelle Cadarette, Petoskey
Closed her junior season with a .348 average, 36 runs scored and 20 RBIs. She also struck out just 10 times in 108 plate appearances.
Delaney Vollmer, Boyne City
The top pitcher back to the area also swung a strong bat. Vollmer struck out 79 in 108 innings in the circle and also hit .430 with 28 RBIs at the plate.
Jaidyn Ecker, Petoskey
Capable of playing around the lineup, Ecker earned All-Big North honors after hitting .333 with 18 RBIs and 25 runs scored. She also had six doubles.
Mary Lentz, Charlevoix
Following well in her sister’s footsteps with a .326 average last season, adding five doubles and 21 runs driven in. Also scored 25 runs and went 3-1 as a pitcher.
Anna Zielinski, Harbor Light
A key piece the Swordsmen can lean on this season after a large departure of talent. Swung a strong bat and had a solid glove a year ago.
Sadie Kroondyk, Boyne City
The speedy Kroondyk finished the season with 33 runs scored and 14 steals after hitting .367. She also drove in 18 runs.
Avery Kita, Charlevoix
Looking to build off an all-state ski season and top five regional finish in golf, Kita can do that after hitting .291 with 30 runs scored and 14 steals last season.
Contact or send game stats/info to Sports Editor Drew Kochanny at dkochanny@petoskeynews.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DrewKochanny, and Instagram, @drewkochanny
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: A look at the 16 Petoskey area softball players to watch for in 2024
