A season after winning the Big Ten Championship, but losing in the Regional round, the Michigan softball team saw a similar end, although without the conference championship. It was a season of ups and downs for Michigan, and ended with a daunting trip to the Norman Regional, facing Oklahoma in the Regional Championship.
A loss to the Sooners ended the season for the Wolverines, ending the careers of some, but it was just the start for others. Michigan ended the season with a 36-22 record, going 11-13 in conference play, but with another Regional appearance.
Now, head coach Bonnie Tholl will begin what every softball coach not in the Women's College World Series is doing and hit the softball transfer portal. The portal officially opens on June 1, allowing players who have not already announced their intentions to enter to do so, and allowing players to speak with teams and make commitments.
Michigan already had one player announce her intentions to enter the portal, and Tholl made fast work of getting another from the Big Ten. Stay tuned here to see updates on Michigan softball portal entries and player commitments.
Michigan players departing for the tranfer portal
Lilly Vallimont: Catcher/First Baseman
Lilly Vallimont became the first Michigan player to enter the transfer portal. Vallimont spent four seasons with the Wolverines, spending three seasons as the starting catcher. Vallimont will have just one more year of eligibility as a graduate student at whatever program she chooses to play for next.
Players committing to Michigan from the transfer portal
Sydney Schwartz: Right-handed Pitcher
Michigan already has one player coming to Ann Arbor, and it is a familiar face. Minnesota right-handed pitcher Sydney Schwartz has committed to play her final year of eligibility with the Wolverines. Schwartz comes to Michigan with a wealth of experience in the circle, throwing 147.2 innings this season with a 3.56 ERA and 138 strikeouts.
This is big for a Michigan team that needs pitching depth, especially if this team wants to make it past the Regional round and host a Regional again.
Check back for updates on the transfer portal as they are announced!
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