Two-time SAC Player of the Year VanFleet signs with Grand Rapids Community College softball

CHEBOYGAN – Softball has been a huge part of Libby VanFleet’s life for so long.

From little league to travel to the high school level she currently plays at, VanFleet has worked relentlessly to becoming a superstar on the diamond. But, even when her high school career wraps up, she now knows there will be another chapter.

VanFleet, currently a standout for the Cheboygan Chiefs, made her next softball destination official by signing to play at Grand Rapids Community College on Monday.

“Since I was about 12, I always dreamt of (playing college softball),” VanFleet said. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and I’ve been working hard for so long. I’m really excited because I didn’t want to stop playing softball. I just wanted to be able to continue to play for a couple more years, so it’s really exciting that I get to do that.”

VanFleet’s decision to join GRCC comes on the heels of being offered by the program in late July. Knowing how much she wanted to keep playing, she was more than happy to jump on board.

“I love the coaches, the campus is really nice, it’s right in downtown Grand Rapids, and the area is just really nice. That’s where I wanted to be,” VanFleet said.

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VanFleet becomes the second Cheboygan softball star to sign with a college program this month, joining fellow senior Amelia Johnson, who recently signed with Lansing Community College.

Since beginning her varsity career as a freshman, VanFleet has delivered for the Chiefs, who have dominated the Straits Area Conference in recent seasons. During her sophomore and junior campaigns, VanFleet was named the SAC’s Player of the Year. VanFleet was honored as the Cheboygan Daily Tribune’s Player of the Year as a sophomore.

VanFleet has displayed versatility throughout her career, thriving as a pitcher, infielder, outfielder and with her bat. While the talent has always been there, her leadership has also been impressive.

“Libby's been one of my captains and she’s been a leader for my team for what will be a fourth year,” Cheboygan coach Mike LaLonde said. “Not only her ability to play, but also her ability to lead, to get the team pumped up, to get the girls in the right direction, so that’s been great. She can pitch, she can play infield, she can play outfield, she’s got a great bat, and I think she’s going to have a lot of fun.

“I’m happy for her – she's a great player.”

LaLonde has total confidence VanFleet will succeed at the next level.

Why? Her desire for the game – and her competitive drive.

“She works hard at what she does,” LaLonde said. “When she goes there, there will be 15 Libbys, so she knows she’s going to really have to step it up to get some good playing time. She loves that competition and she’s really embracing it. The better the competition, the better for her.”

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Before VanFleet heads to west Michigan, she has some unfinished business as she enters her senior season with Cheboygan. For VanFleet and her teammates, they have their eyes on a big prize.

“We want to win districts – that's the big goal,” VanFleet said. “We want to get past (defending Division 2 state champion) Gaylord, so hopefully we can do that. I’m going to miss (playing with my teammates) when it’s done because it’s been such a big part of my life since I was so young, so it’s going be so different playing in college. I’m just going to miss being with all the girls.”

VanFleet said she intends to major in criminal justice in college.

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: Cheboygan's Libby VanFleet signs with Grand Rapids Community College softball program