Eight Cheboygan players lead way on Daily Tribune's 2024 all-area softball first team

CHEBOYGAN – My goodness, there was so much softball talent in the Cheboygan area in 2024 .

While the Cheboygan Chiefs were the clear cut most talented team in the area , players from Inland Lakes, Mackinaw City, Onaway and Pellston also impressed this spring.

With the season now complete, here’s a look at the Cheboygan Daily Tribune’s 2024 all-area softball team, led by Presley Chamberlain, the Tribune’s player of the year.

ALL-SKI VALLEY TEAM: Inland Lakes' Grant, Taglauer, LaBrecque, Onaway's Box make All-Ski Valley softball first team

SOFTBALL SEASON THOUGHTS: Titles, talent and hope: Final thoughts on the 2024 Cheboygan area softball season

1 ^st Team

Presley Chamberlain, Cheboygan, Sophomore (PLAYER OF THE YEAR) – This was a sensational sophomore campaign for an exceptional talent in Chamberlain, who was also named the Straits Area Conference’s player of the year. Whether it was her productive bat or smooth defense at second base, Chamberlain excelled throughout the season and helped lift the Chiefs to a third consecutive SAC title.

Libby VanFleet, Cheboygan, Senior – The Grand Rapids Community College commit had a big final pitching season for the Chiefs, while also coming up huge offensively along the way. Like many of her teammates, she earned a spot on the All-SAC first team.

Emerson Eustice, Cheboygan, Senior – Had a powerful hitting season and thrived on the mound as Cheboygan’s No. 2 pitcher. Finished off an excellent career by reaching 100 strikeouts on the season and earning All-SAC first team honors.

Emily Clark, Cheboygan, Senior – Arguably the best outfielder in the area, Clark was a defensive rock for the Chiefs. At the same time, the All-SAC first teamer was one of Cheboygan’s most consistent offensive players during a terrific final season with the program.

Amelia Johnson, Cheboygan, Senior – Cheboygan’s shortstop capped off a strong senior season as a top defensive player and productive hitter. The future Lansing Community College player also made the All-SAC first team.

Marley Couture, Cheboygan, Senior – A four-year starter at catcher for the Chiefs, Couture wrapped up an outstanding career as a clutch hitter and leader behind the plate. In the end, it resulted in All-SAC first team recognition.

Jordan Ashley, Cheboygan, Senior – Another one of Cheboygan’s most powerful hitters, Ashley, an Alpena Community College signee, had a productive offensive season and was solid no matter where she played in the field. Made the All-SAC team as an honorable mention.

Tessa Lake, Cheboygan, Sophomore – Like her teammate Presley Chamberlain, Lake had a remarkable sophomore season both as a hitter and defensively. The All-SAC first team performer will be a huge part of Cheboygan’s squad next spring.

Brooklyn LaBrecque, Inland Lakes, Junior – Continuing to build off an impressive softball career was LaBrecque, who excelled in the outfield and as a hitter for the Bulldogs, who won a district title. Made the All-Ski Valley Conference first team.

Maggie Grant, Inland Lakes, Senior – The Butler College (Kansas) commit had a strong senior season as a pitcher and dangerous hitter for the Bulldogs. Like LaBrecque, she earned herself a spot on the All-Ski Valley first team.

Charlotte Box, Onaway, Junior – Another Cardinal who had a productive hitting season, Box stepped up and was also a solid fielder for the Cardinals. Earned All-Ski Valley first team accolades.

ALL-SAC SOFTBALL: Presley Chamberlain named SAC softball player of the year, seven Chiefs make first team

ALL-NLC SOFTBALL: Mackinaw City's Jersey Beauchamp makes All-Northern Lakes Conference softball first team

2 ^nd Team

Hannah Whippo, Cheboygan, Junior

Ella Kosanke, Cheboygan, Senior

Erica Taglauer, Inland Lakes, Senior

Eva Carper, Inland Lakes, Junior

Lakyn Thompson, Inland Lakes, Senior

Jenna Stubbs, Inland Lakes, Sophomore

Sadie Decker, Onaway, Junior

Ema DeMaestri, Onaway, Junior

Marley Szymoniak, Onaway, Sophomore

Jersey Beauchamp, Mackinaw City, Senior

Lanie Irwin, Pellston, Sophomore

Honorable Mention:

Myla Thompson (Inland Lakes), Lexi Kovtun (Inland Lakes), Rian Esper (Mackinaw City), Gracie Beauchamp (Mackinaw City), Vanessa Groenewoud (Mackinaw City), Emily Kruczynski (Mackinaw City), Kailyn George (Onaway), Ella Klungle (Pellston), Breanna Willis (Pellston), Allie Cameron (Pellston)

Coach of the Year

Mike LaLonde (Cheboygan)

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: Eight Cheboygan players lead way on Daily Tribune's 2024 all-area softball first team