Libby VanFleet and the GRCC softball team are heading to the World Series for the first time since 1998. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the program.
Key points
GRCC softball going to the World Series for the first time since 1998
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The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
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PHOTOS: Cheboygan, Boyne City clash in NSC softball doubleheader
The Cheboygan Chiefs hosted the Boyne City Ramblers in a key Northern Shores Conference softball doubleheader on Monday, May 11.
GRAND RAPIDS â Only one out away, Grand Rapids Community College softball thought it was destined for a trip to the National Junior College Athletic Association World Series (NJCAA) last season.
Then heartbreak happened for the Raiders, who failed to hold onto a one-run lead in the bottom of the seventh inning and suffered an 8-7 loss to Lansing Community College in a thrilling regional final.
Libby VanFleet, a former Cheboygan High School softball star and then-freshman on that GRCC team, felt the devastation on the part of herself and teammates who thought they had it.
One year later, VanFleet and her close Raider teammates got to experience the other side of that, as they returned and finished the job in impressive fashion just recently.
Now, VanFleet and GRCC softball will be going to the upcoming NJCAA Division 2 World Series â the first appearance for the Raiders since 1998 â after capturing a 6-1 victory over Lake Michigan College in a Great Lakes District B championship game at the University of Findlay (Ohio) on Saturday, May 9.
âHonestly, it was one of the most rewarding feelings that Iâve ever had in my softball career,â VanFleet said. âThere was so much buildup to that moment, and just being surrounded by my best friends was one of the best feelings. Itâs a good feeling that we finally got what we wanted.â
Current Grand Rapids Community College softball player Libby VanFleet (00), a 2024 Cheboygan High School graduate, has had a productive two seasons with the Raiders, who are 41-8 heading into the upcoming NJCAA World Series in South Carolina.
Current Grand Rapids Community College softball player Libby VanFleet (00), a 2024 Cheboygan High School graduate, has had a productive two seasons with the Raiders, who are 41-8 heading into the upcoming NJCAA World Series in South Carolina.
With the win, the Raiders head to Spartanburg, South Carolina, where they will participate in the NJCAA World Series, May 19-24. Itâs been a dominant season for the Raiders, who make their way into the tournament with a 41-8 overall record and a current 11-game winning streak.
In two seasons at GRCC, VanFleet has been a huge part of the Raidersâ success. As a freshman, she saw plenty of time at pitcher and earned all-conference honorable mention accolades. But with the Raiders loaded with talented pitchers, VanFleet decided it was best to make her mark on a new position, which is now left field. While saying goodbye to being a pitcher was difficult, sheâs fallen in love with left field, where she earned all-conference honors this season.
âI think I like it more than pitching,â VanFleet said. â(The other outfielders) are all so hard working. Everyone is diving for every single ball. Itâs just good to have those people around me because I enjoy it so much. Weâre together all the time at practice. Weâre kind of just in our own world, but itâs fun.â
Offensively, VanFleet has provided a productive bat for GRCC, hitting .337 with 28 hits, 11 doubles, 19 RBIs and 28 runs scored in 2026. VanFleet, along with her teammates, played their roles in lifting GRCC to a Michigan Community College Athletic Association (MCCAA) title with a 23-2 league record.
Prior to graduating from Cheboygan, VanFleet wasnât sure if she wanted to keep playing softball. But with encouragement from her parents, she decided to give GRCC a go.
For her, itâs one of the best decisions sheâs ever made.
âI met so many people that I never would have met if I didnât take this opportunity, and itâs really allowed me to kind of get out of my comfort zone, and now I have 18 new best friends that Iâm definitely going to stay in contact with for the rest of my life,â VanFleet said.
Former Cheboygan High School softball star Libby VanFleet recently helped Grand Rapids Community College women's softball reach the NJCAA World Series for the first time since 1998 after earning a regional title victory.
Former Cheboygan High School softball star Libby VanFleet recently helped Grand Rapids Community College women's softball reach the NJCAA World Series for the first time since 1998 after earning a regional title victory.
With the World Series approaching, it will be a dream come true for VanFleet, who never imagined she would be playing on the national stage like sheâs going to be on soon.
However, the hard part will be when her GRCC career ends. While sheâs currently an Aquinas College softball commit, sheâll always cherish her time with a GRCC program she loves dearly.
âSaying goodbye to all these girls, itâs going to be tough because we work together every single day, and building these relationships is something Iâve been so blessed to be a part of,â VanFleet said.
No. 16 seed GRCC will meet No. 17 Bryant and Stratton College (Wisconsin) in a World Series first-round game at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, with the winner to face top-seeded Kirkwood Community College (Iowa) later in the day.
