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Feb. 26, 2026, GRAND RAPIDS, MI. – The Grand Rapids Community College softball team enters the 2026 season with a familiar target on its back — and the talent to embrace it.
After finishing 39-6 overall and 23-2 in conference play a year ago, the Raiders return nine players from a squad that captured a conference championship and finished as regional runner-up. With nine freshmen added to the mix and momentum from a strong fall campaign, fourth-year head coach Chuck White believes this group has the depth and experience to make another postseason push.

The Raiders open their season Friday, Feb. 27, at The Spring Games in Clermont and Winter Haven, Florida, where they are scheduled to play 16 games before returning to Michigan. Their first game is scheduled for 1 pm against Oakland Community College. 

Loaded with Star Power

The heart of GRCC's lineup begins with one of the most dynamic players in the NJCAA.

Kalani Stowe (P/OF/C) delivered one of the most impressive two-way seasons in program history in 2025. The reigning Conference Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year was dominant in every phase of the game.

From the circle, Stowe went 18-1 with a 1.02 ERA — ranking first in the MCCAA and third nationally. She led the conference with seven shutouts, 10.84 strikeouts per game, and a .142 opponent batting average, while finishing third in the league with 159 strikeouts.

At the plate, she hit .441 with 12 doubles, four triples, two home runs, and 51 stolen bases (second in the MCCAA). She also scored 58 runs, third-most in the conference, solidifying her reputation as one of the most complete players in the country.

Joining Stowe is NJCAA All-American Natalee Beck (OF/1B/P), who flirted with a .500 average all season before finishing at .496 — second in the MCCAA. Beck led the Raiders with 54 RBI, hit two home runs, and struck out just five times in 150 plate appearances (3%).

Beck was equally effective in the circle, posting a 4-1 record with a 1.21 ERA and two saves. She ranked second in the conference in both on-base percentage (.567) and opponent batting average (.165), earning a long list of postseason honors.

Experienced and Versatile Lineup

The Raiders' depth extends well beyond their two headliners.

Grace Salley (INF) hit .394 with 27 RBI, a .479 slugging percentage, and was a perfect 16-for-16 in stolen bases. Violet McWhinnie (1B/3B) added a .402 average, 38 RBI, and struck out just four times in 109 plate appearances.

Lillian Klop (P/1B/3B) gives GRCC another strong two-way option after going 6-1 with a 2.59 ERA while hitting .386 with a .500 slugging percentage.

In the outfield, Evelyn McEachen anchored center field, hitting .302 with 12 stolen bases and committing zero errors all season. Libby VanFleet contributed across the board, batting .329 with 21 RBI and 20 walks, while going 7-0 in the circle with 41 strikeouts in 40 innings pitched.

Paige Arthur and Lauren Wiley add experience and versatility, having combined to play in 69 games last season while providing speed, defensive flexibility, and timely hitting.

Fresh Talent Arrives

Nine freshmen join the program, strengthening both the infield and pitching staff. The class includes Kenady O'Leary (Grandville), Ella Schram (Mancelona), Abbie Critchett (Muskegon Reeths-Puffer), Ava VanderKolk (Hopkins), Megan Lillie (Lowell), Ella Showers (Coopersville), Caitlyn Horvath (Buchanan), Kellsie Dieterle (Wyoming), and Tia Schone (Gladstone).

The newcomers will have opportunities to contribute immediately, particularly during the demanding 16-game Florida stretch.

Strong Fall Momentum

GRCC's fall season provided a glimpse of the team's potential. The Raiders went 20-6, hit .359 as a team, stole 89 bases, and posted a 2.10 ERA — numbers that reflect the program's emphasis on aggressive baserunning, offensive pressure, and pitching depth.

Under White's leadership, the Raiders have compiled an 83-46-2 overall record (.630) and a 49-21 mark in conference play (.700), capturing two conference championships and finishing regional runner-up twice in his first three seasons. White was named Conference Coach of the Year last spring.

Looking Ahead

After returning from Florida, GRCC will open its 25-game conference schedule March 20-22 with a five-game round robin in Sandusky, Ohio.

Should the Raiders qualify for the postseason once again, regional play begins May 5 in Findlay, Ohio.

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Interested in supporting GRCC Athletics?  All donations can be done through GRCC Athletic's Scholarship Fund and can specify what scholarship fund the gift is going to, such as the Hofmann scholarship. If you have any questions on how to support Athletics at Grand Rapids Community College, contact the Athletic Department via phone at (616) 234-3883 or email grccathletics@grcc.edu. Any support is appreciated and goes towards assisting our student-athlete scholarship funds.