MACKINAW CITY – Erica France is passionate about sports.
From her youth days to her time as a member of Cheboygan’s varsity softball team to eventually playing on Lake Superior State University’s club softball squad, the 2015 Cheboygan High School graduate has never lost her love for competition, especially in softball.
After teaching for five years at North Central Academy in Mancelona and living in Gaylord, France returned north and eventually landed a job as a fifth grade teacher in Mackinaw City last year. Then there was job posting for Mackinaw City’s varsity softball head coaching position, something she jumped on.
By late fall, her dream came true when she accepted the job.
“I was very excited for the opportunity to get back to my No. 1 sport that I love,” France said.
While this might be France’s first varsity coaching job, she recently gained experience by helping as a coach with Mackinaw City volleyball and coaching girls basketball at the junior high level during the wintertime. During that stretch, she built relationships with Mackinaw City’s student-athletes and parents, which has only been more beneficial as times goes by.
“I want to teach them fundamentals of the game, how to be a part of a team, how to work together, and a lot of my core memories of growing up were around sports, so I want to keep that going, and I also want to create those positive memories for others,” France said.
The new coach already seems to be inspiring her players, many of whom experienced a coaching change last season. With a little more stability now, they’re excited for what lies ahead.
“I like that she really takes her time to talk with each player and get to know where their head is and how they feel going into the season, especially with how last year ended,” Mackinaw City junior Kenzlie Currie said. “It’s almost like a fresh breath of air. I love that they’re teaching us and helping us.”
What France is also thrilled about is that someone very close to her is there to help, as her father Paul is an assistant coach. With dad by her side, it’s going to be a special experience for France.
“It’s another dream of mine,” France said. “He coached me on and off throughout the years. He was my assistant coach when I played in high school as well, and to have him on board with his experience and coaching travel ball and other things is huge. He’s a great resource of mine, and we both have a love and passion for the game, so it’s awesome to have another thing we can do together.”
With the Comets off to a promising start in 2026, France believes her first squad can achieve big goals this spring, provided they work together and improve as a team each day.
“I would love to see how far we can go in the conference this year and districts,” France said. “We have to work as a team because you have to work together in softball.”
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: New Mackinaw City coach Erica France brings passion, family to softball
Reporting by Jared Greenleaf, Cheboygan Daily Tribune / Cheboygan Daily Tribune
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