The LCC Stars start their 2026 softball season

By Emmett Roman
Staff Reporter

Fifteen new recruits, three returning sophomores and one common goal: to start off the 2026 softball season right. Last year, LCC’s softball team went 22-2 in the conference and 38-20 overall. This season, Head Coach Marc Kibby looks forward to playing against some of the toughest teams in the country. “We will learn, get better and compete,” Kibby said.

The team this year consists of 18 players. Two returning players are Audrey Hillard #9 from Lakewood and Zoie Tupper #10 from Sheppard. Last year, Hillard had four home runs and 50 hits while Tupper achieved 22 hits and two home runs. Both of them “are returning sophomores that have the experience that will help lead us,” Kibby said. “These two players are expected to be star players for the 2026 season.”

The softball team has a big reputation to live up to. In the past, the team has had much success in the conference. They have been Michigan Community College Association (MCCA) conference champions in 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2017, 2018 and 2019. The team has also been successful at becoming Western conference champions in 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024 and last year in 2025.

The team’s first game is Feb. 12 vs. Illinois Central College at noon. The Stars are waiting for warmer weather before games on their home turf begin, but LCC students can attend home games beginning on March 21 vs. Jackson College. The Stars play at Ranney Park—near the Frandor shopping center—and games are free for students.

Roster:
Alivia Kukla #3
Charlie Bass #6
Neveah Vasquez #7
Kylie Roper #8
Audrey Hillard #9
Zoie Tupper #10
Chloey Spear #11
Bre Vercautren #13
Natalie McCall #15
Dakota Swift #16
Sasha Page #17
Brynn Jamie #21
Jillian Kamendat #22
Kaya Canfield #23
Tommi Kleinschmidt #24
Grace Lawson #27
Taiylor Egbert #32