BATTLE CREEK ― Some returning stars and some new faces in the starting lineups at most schools mean this is the place to be to find out about high school softball as we head into the 2026 season.
Fans will want to update their high school softball calendar with key dates coming up, including the All-City tourney on May 9, and districts finals on May 30. The MHSAA state tournament is set for the weekend of June 11-13 at Michigan State University.
More Season Previews:
2026 Enquirer Baseball Season Preview
Here’s a closer look at the city and area softball teams for 2026:
Battle Creek Central
Coach: Evan Gray (1st season)
2025 record: N/A
Top returners: Journey Sample, sr.
Outlook: After not having a team five seasons ago, Battle Creek Central brought back its program four years ago and is continuing that rebuilding process in 2026 under its third head coach in that span with Evan Gray taking over. BCC is excited about having a core group of seniors returning, including all-city performer Journey Sample.
“Our goal is to play disciplined, aggressive softball and represent Battle Creek Central Bearcats Softball with pride. If we stay committed to fundamentals and teamwork, we expect to be competitive in every game,” Gray said.
Harper Creek
Coach: Sarah Palmer (1st season)
2025 record: 18-14
Top returners: Kennedy Halverson, sr.; Sophia Kline, sr.; Taegen Anderson, sr.; Kaylee Kirkpatrick, sr.; Aleena Stahlwood, jr.
Outlook: Harper Creek is starting a new chapter with first-year head coach Sarah Palmer, an alum and four-year player for the Beavers. With a strong group of returning seniors, the Beavers have the talent to compete for a title in the Interstate 8 Conference. Leading that group are four players that earned all-city honors a year ago. Senior Kennedy Halverson, who has committed to play Division I softball at Western Michigan University, set the school record for career home runs as a junior. Senior Sophia Kline, who has committed to play at Merrimack College, hit .486 last year. Also returning are all-city picks in seniors Kaylee Kirkpatrick (heading to John Melvin Christian College), Taegen Anderson and junior Aleena Stahlhood. Anderson and Stahlwood split pitching duties a year ago as well as contributing at the plate.
“The 2026 season marks an important new chapter for Harper Creek softball. With a completely new coaching staff at both the varsity and JV levels — supported by two returning volunteer coaches who bring valuable continuity — this year is about growth, resetting expectations and establishing a foundation our athletes can build on for years to come,” Palmer said.
Lakeview
Coach: Jason McCullough (3rd season)
2025 record: 22-15
Top returners: Claire VanDis, sr.; Angelia Palma, sr.; Brooklyn Berning, sr.; Kelsey Kirck, sr.; Delaney McCullough, jr.; Lezlee Smith, jr.;
Outlook: In two years as head coach, Jason McCullough led Lakeview to its first district title since 1998, two years ago, and then a rare Southwestern Michigan Athletic Conference title last year. The Spartans have an experienced group returning to continue the momentum gained in 2025. Three-time all-city pick Claire VanDis is a mainstay at catcher/first base for the Spartans. Three-time all-city selection Angelia Palma also returns at pitcher/first base. Senior Brooklyn Berning also returns to lead the outfield as a three-time all-league selection. Returning starters Lezlee Smith, Kelsey Krick and Delaney McCullough give Lakeview good depth.
“We are going to have to stay healthy throughout the year to maintain some continuity in the lineup. The challenge this year will be executing the game plan and staying focused,” McCullough said.
Pennfield
Coach: Matt Walling (1st season)
2025 record: 7-25
Top returners: Alaina Simmons, sr.; Jenna Wiley, jr.; Mallorie Miller, jr.
Outlook: Pennfield will be led by first-year head coach Matt Walling, who will be in charge of a young team with five freshmen on the roster. Senior Alaina Simmons returns as the main pitcher as she also hit .431. Juniors Mallorie Miller and Jenna Wiley also come back after big seasons in which both hit over .400.
“We are a young team this year. I am looking to be competitive and having fun playing this game we call softball,” Walling said.
St. Philip/Climax-Scotts Co-Op
Coach: Janae Gibson (4th season)
2025 record: 11-9
Top returners: Addi Dzwik, jr.; Addy Reeves, sr.; Holly Talbert, sr.; Ashlynn Gilbert, sr.
Outlook: In her fourth season as head coach Janae Gibson is looking to see the program grow, and will look to do that this season with a roster with some key seniors. St. Philip/C-S does return its top pitcher in senior Addy Reeves, who also can contribute in the outfield. Junior Addi Dzwik had a breakout season last year, leading the team in hits and earning all-region honors. Senior Holly Talbert was all-district a year ago as one of the top offensive weapons and senior Ashlynn Gilbert brings good leadership.
“We are extremely excited to begin this season with a talented group of upperclassmen who bring experience and leadership to guide our team. We will also add some young talent to our roster and will lean heavily on our returners to lead with tremendous energy and effort,” Gibson said.
Area Teams To Watch
Athens
Coach: Kathy Parlin (17th season)
2025 record: 6-18
Top returners: Mallory Kincaid, sr..; Katelynn Roe, sr.; Dakoda Carpenter, so.
Outlook: Athens will be young this season, with only three returning starters, but will not be short on talent. The Indians will be led by seniors Mallory Kincaid and Katelynn Roe as well as sophomore pitcher Dakoda Carpenter.
“This year we have several players playing for the first time. We will lean heavily on our senior leaders and our more experienced players to improve on last year’s record,” Parlin said.
Coldwater
Coach: Aaron Bucklin (2nd season)
2025 record: 23-6
Top returners: Rylie VanAken, sr.; Mya Porter, sr.; Mackenzie Searing, sr; Coley Burkhardt, sr.; Laynie VanAken, so.; Audrina Bucklin, so.; Vandria Bucklin, so.
Outlook: In his first season as head coach Aaron Bucklin, led Coldwater to a standout season with a conference title in the Interstate 8, as well as district and regional championships. The Cardinals bring back an experienced group looking to continue that momentum, led by a core group of seniors in all-conference picks Rylie VanAken, Mya Porter, Mackenzie Searing and Coley Burkhardt. Coldwater also has a strong group of sophomores that make an impact last year as freshmen, including all-conference selection Laynie VanAken, as well as Audrina Bucklin and Vandria Bucklin.
Marshall
Coach: Trevor Kelly (2nd season)
2025 record: 25-9
Top returners: Brielle Kelly, sr.; Brooke Carden, sr.; Bella Ryan, sr.; Gwen Beach, sr.; Layne Churchill, sr.; Claire Kelly, jr.
Outlook: Marshall is coming off a banner season where it won a second straight Interstate 8 Conference title as well as 25 games. The Redhawks will look to keep up that winning tradition under second-year head coach Trevor Kelly. Marshall has a talented group coming back, including all-conference shortstop Brielle Kelly, all-conference catcher Brooke Carden, all-conference pitcher Layne Churchill and all-conference outfielder Bella Ryan, who batted .515.
“This team has a nice blend of experienced seniors as well as underclassmen, who made a big splash last season. We have eight all-conference performers returning from the 2025 team which won back-to-back I-8 championships,” Kelly said.
Contact Bill Broderick at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter @billbroderick
This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: 35 softball players to watch, what to know about Battle Creek area
Reporting by Bill Broderick, Battle Creek Enquirer / Battle Creek Enquirer
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