Gaylord Herald Times Softball Preseason Player of the Year, vote now
· Yahoo Sports
Softball is yet again on hold in Gaylord, Mich., as the weather has pushed back opening day for the Gaylord, St. Mary and Johannesburg-Lewiston teams. Soon enough, games will begin.
We've highlighted the top players to watch heading into the spring season. Now, let us know who you think will be the best player in 2026.
Visit casino-promo.biz for more information.
Vote now for the Gaylord Herald Times Preseason Softball Player of the Year.
Nora Bethuy, Gaylord
Last season: GHT All-Area first team, 39 hits, 36 runs, 17 RBIs, 3 home runs, 12-3 overall record, 2.76 ERA, 71 strikeouts.
One of the top returning players in terms of experience and talent, Bethuy is committed to Indiana Wesleyan University.
Makayla Kozlowski, Gaylord
Last season: GHT All-Area first team, 31 hits, 25 RBIs, 22 runs scored, 8 home runs.
Younger sister of a former Gaylord Herald Times Softball Player of the Year, Alexis Kozlowski, Makayla Kozlowski is a starting infielder and a top power threat at the plate.
Lily Ryckman-Hall, Gaylord
Last season: All-GHT first team, 14 extra base hits, 7 home runs, 27 RBIs, 22 runs scored.
A Spring Arbor University pledge, LRH may be the most feared hitter in the 2026 GHS softball batting lineup.
Emery Lawes, JoBurg
Last season: All-GHT first team, .405 batting average, 39 runs scored, 25 RBIs.
One of the best three-sport stars in the area, Lawes is a valuable piece of the No. 10 Johannesburg-Lewiston roster as a catcher and a hitter.
Mady Peppin, JoBurg
Last season: All-GHT first team, .427 batting average, 47 runs scored, 37 RBIs, 4 home runs.
A two-time GHT Volleyball Player of the Year, Peppin is one of the top returning infielders in the Ski Valley.
Ashlynn Burke, JoBurg
Last season: All-GHT first team, 14-2 overall record, 76 strikeouts, 2.04 ERA, .393 batting average, 48 runs scored, 30 RBIs.
Burke broke out as JL's No. 1 option in the circle and should be one of the top pitchers in the area this season.
Kaylee Jeffers, Gaylord St. Mary
Last season: All-GHT Honorable Mention, .350 batting average, 19 runs scored, 15 RBIs, 2 home runs.
In her senior season alone, Jeffers helped GSM win a conference title in girls basketball and nearly won a volleyball conference title as well.
Payton Glasby, Gaylord St. Mary
Last season: All-GHT Honorable Mention, .375 batting average, 15 runs scored, 13 RBIs, 4 doubles.
An elite basketball player as well, Glasby will finish her Snowbird career as GSM's starting first baseman.
Omani Switalski, Gaylord St. Mary
Last season: .309 batting average, 17 hits, 12 runs scored, 19 RBIs, 5 doubles.
A solid infielder and hitter for a GSM team returning many of its starters this season.
Contact GHT Sports Editor Dylan Jespersen at [email protected]. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @dylanjespersen, and Instagram, @dylanjespersen
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Gaylord Herald Times Preseason Softball Player of the Year, vote now