Senior Bailee Braunreuther started playing softball when she was seven on the travel team Brandon Northstars.
Her first coach was Don Peters – her current varsity coach for Clarkston softball.
Last Wednesday, Braunreuther signed her letter of intent to play for Oakland University after finishing her last year in high school.
‘It’s really cool,? she said about signing in front of her childhood and current coach. ‘When I was little he was so much bigger and we were scared of him. As we got older we realized he is just a big teddy bear. He is the best coach I have had.?
‘I am proud of what she has accomplished,? said Peters. ‘She has come a long way. She has always had toughness, competitiveness and focus to her. Her skills keep getting better.?
Braunreuther was drawn to OU by the coaches and the program.
‘They are a pretty good softball team,? she said. ‘It’s pretty close to home yet I can still live on campus and the there.
Her parents, Brad and Abbie, are excited she is close but know her schedule will be too busy to be home a lot.
‘It’s funny, we said she is only 20 minutes away from home, but we will probably never see her again,? said Brad.
Most importantly Bailee and her family are relieved the decision is made.
‘I can enjoy my senior year now,? said Bailee. ‘It’s a huge stress reliever.?
Teammate Taylor Hasselbach is also excited she signed her letter of intent to play for the University of Michigan next fall.
She had offers from Central Michigan University and Michigan State, but being a Wolverine was a childhood dream of hers.
Parents, Lisa and Todd, got her started in playing and were excited to see the dream come alive for her as she signed the papers.
Both have been playing since they were playing catch in their backyards, Taylor with her dad and Bailee with her sister.
For the Clarkston team, Taylor plays short stop and third base.
‘I have always been known for my hitting,? she said.
Bailee can be found on the mound striking players out with her pitching skills.
‘It’s the position I am best at and work the most at,? she said. ‘I can play a lot of positions and am well-rounded. I think it helps. I can also play infielder and outfielder.?
Bailee currently has a GPA of 3.3 and Taylor, 3.5.
Another draw for the seniors to the colleges they chose were the academic programs. Taylor was drawn to the health and kinesiology programs and Bailee to the Early Childhood Education programs so she can become a teacher.
‘I am excited and proud of them,? said Peters.
Since their freshman year the team has won two district titles and lost in the regional playoffs. Taylor and Bailee plan to help the team go to states this year.