Young Talent Boosts White Lake Lakeland Softball

4 Freshmen Starters Bring New Energy to Varsity Squad

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:23pm

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A vibrant, cubist-style painting depicting a high school softball game broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color, capturing the energy and movement of the sport.Lakeland's bold decision to start four freshmen on opening day reflects the team's confidence in their young talent and potential for future success.Grand Blanc Today

White Lake Lakeland softball coach Mike Cleary has never started four freshmen in the same game before this spring. But he didn't hesitate to fill out his first lineup card of the season against sixth-ranked Grand Blanc, a testament to the young talent that has joined the varsity squad.

Why it matters

Lakeland's decision to give significant playing time to four talented freshmen highlights the program's commitment to developing young players and building for the future. This infusion of youth could provide a boost to the team's performance and set them up for long-term success.

The details

The four freshmen starters have been working hard since joining the team in the fall, impressing coach Cleary with their skills and dedication. Their inclusion in the starting lineup against a highly-ranked opponent demonstrates Cleary's confidence in their abilities to contribute at the varsity level.

  • The 2026 softball season began in April.

The players

Mike Cleary

The longtime head coach of the White Lake Lakeland softball team.

Grand Blanc

A high school located in Grand Blanc, Michigan, with a highly-ranked softball program that Lakeland faced in their season opener.

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What they’re saying

“They showed up in the fall and have been working hard all year long,”

— Mike Cleary, Head Coach

The takeaway

Lakeland's decision to trust its talented freshmen with significant playing time early in the season demonstrates the program's commitment to developing young talent and building a strong foundation for the future. This infusion of youth could provide a much-needed boost to the team's performance and set them up for long-term success.