Impressive, to say the least
All-State softball award caps 2008 for Southfield Christian junior

By Mike Moore
C & G Sports Writer

SOUTHFIELD — Even to the casual onlooker, the 2008 softball season was pretty impressive for Southfield Christian junior Lauryn Whittler.

The Eagles’ catcher led her team to the Division 4 state quarterfinals, gunneddown 13 runners attempting to steal and picked off two more at first base.

She was a force with the bat as well, ending the season with a .494 average and four home runs.

So coach Ken Brown wasn’t surprised when Whittler, who could not be reached for comment, was named to the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association’s 2008 Division 4 All-State first team.

“She was the most valuable player on our team. She was the girl everyone looked up to,” he said of Whittler.

“Not only did she do some great things as a player, but she provided the leadership, the direction and even courage we needed as the season progressed.”

Making her season more remarkable was Whittler’s continued improvement as the games became more important.

Her 11-for-19 postseason included two doubles, a home run and the game-winning hit in a 4-2 victory against Allen Park Inner City Baptist in the regional final.

“She was a constant for us,” Brown added. “She was always exactly what she needed to be.”

According to Brown, Whittler has yet to decide on a college, but he said she wants to continue her softball career while studying medicine.

“Whatever she does in her future, she’s going to succeed” Brown said.

As Brown explained, 2008 was even more impressive once he discovered the circumstances of Whittler’s late-season surge.

“Come to find out she played the last month or so of the season with a torn muscle in her side,” Brown said.

“It’s incredible. She was in a lot of pain … yet she never said a word to anyone, and her play only got better.”

You can reach Sports Writer Mike Moore at mmoore@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1038.