ALLENDALE—The Grand Valley State softball team announced its 2023 signing class of six plays, including five from the state of Michigan.
 
Coach Dana Callihan said she was excited about welcoming a new class of Lakers.
 
"The theme of this class is high athleticism and strength," Callihan said. "All of these student-athletes are very strong in their respective positions but very versatile.  They are highly competitive with high softball IQ levels.  They will make a positive impact on our program immediately."
 
The Lakers are coming off a 43-8 season that saw an NCAA Midwest Super Regional appearance. GVSU also boasted four First Team All-GLIAC selections and GLIAC Pitcher of the Year (Hannah Beatus), Freshman of the Year (Kelsey Komorous) and Coach of the Year (Callihan) honors.
 
Kenedy Coombe, UTIL, Clio, Mich./Clio HS – Coombe can play the infield as well as roam the outfield. Coombe has a strong swing and has the ability to attack the ball.
 
Payton Dueweke, IF, Essexville, Mich./Garber HS – Dueweke has good instincts playing the infield and reads the ball off the bat well. She will add a gritty demeanor. In the batter's box, Dueweke has a strong swing and will be an asset to the Laker offense.
 
Faith Edwards, OF, Centreville, Mich./Centreville HS – Edwards brings a combination of speed and power. Edwards shows power with the bat in her hands. Defensively, she reads the ball well off the bat and can track things down in the outfield.
 
Natalie Johnson, C/1B/3B, Bourbonnais, Ill./Bourbonnais HS – Johnson provides solid defense as a catcher, but can also play the corner infield spots. She has a great glove and a strong arm and is also going to add on the offensive side.
 
Jasmine Mauk, IF/OF, North Branch, Mich./North Branch HS – Mauk is another versatile addition for the Lakers with a powerful bat. Callihan said she sees Mauk in the outfield for the Lakers, but is also a capable infielder. Mauk's bat brings power and she also has good speed.
 
Kylie Swierkos, P, Hartland, Mich./Hartland HS – Swierkos has a very competitive background in the circle as a pitcher. According to Callihan, she has a nice maturity about her with a strong work ethic and wants the ball in the circle.
 
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