By Sue Teggart
C & G Sports Writer

For Utica High senior Lauren Histed, 2008 was a record-breaking year.

During her four seasons on the varsity softball squad, Histed smashed five school records. She then topped off her outstanding prep career when she became the only athlete from her school to ever be voted to the Division 1 All-State squad three years in a row.

“It feels good, because not a lot of people accomplish it,” Histed said about being a three-time All-State honoree. “It makes me happy that people recognize my hard work.”

Histed’s work ethic was a factor in her trek to the top of the Chieftains’ record book.

“I didn’t know (Utica High coach Anthony Adamo) was keeping track of these stats,” Histed said. “But I’m pretty happy with my career at Utica. I think I was pretty successful, but my team helped out a lot.”

Histed graduated with the Chieftains’ single-season record for batting average (.495), on-base percentage (.543), runs (52), stolen bases (23) and assists (88).

“She’s been something special here,” Adamo said. “We’ve had some other girls play four years on varsity, but as far as being an impact player, nobody was able to do what she did in four years.”

Histed set the tone for the offense, and Adamo said having her on base more than 50 percent of the time made other players raise their game.

“She sets the bar and leads by example,” Adamo said. “When Lauren is making plays, she sets the standard others want to achieve.”

While Histed made noise at the plate, her influence extended beyond her numbers. 

“Probably her greatest impact is that other kids saw her being so successful and working hard, and then they wanted to be successful,” Adamo said.

Besides providing outstanding range at shortstop, Adamo said, Histed could read the game and then pass that knowledge on to her teammates.

“Having a kid set the standard is really important, Adamo said. “She’s one of those kids that you really don’t realize what you have until she’s gone.”

Histed will represent Utica High in the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association All-Star game July 19 at Holt High before heading to Ohio University to continue her softball career.

“It’s like a whole new window of opportunity,” Histed said of college softball. “It’s been my dream since I was 5. It’s a big level change from high school, but I’m excited for it.”

For more information on the All-Star game, contact the MHSSCA at www.mhssca.com.

You can reach Sports Writer Sue Teggart at steggart@candgnews.com or at (586) 279-1107.