Whitehall enters the 2026 season with big dreams - like unseating powerhouse Oakridge as West Michigan Conference Lakes champions and going after its first district title in five years.
It won't be easy after the Vikings graduated four top performers from last season, but coach Kyle McGrew likes his team's competitive drive and believes it can produce results.
"These girls are hungry and driven," McGrew said. "Maintaining this drive and wanting to win is something we need to continue for the entire season. Disciplined players with daily routines and expectations is huge for this team. The final key factor is the family aspect this team will have. There are plenty of ups and downs throughout a season but having each other's back and supporting each other like family will do nothing but help them thrive."
It may help the Vikes that two of their graduation departures - Lianne Fagan and Megan LeaTrea - are older sisters of current players. Beth LeaTrea is poised to inherit her sister's spot as the team's top pitcher, and Janie Fagan, already an all-conference performer and the team's shortstop and cleanup hitter last year, now takes on additional leadership responsibilities.
"The fun thing to watch right now is a group of girls all competing to replace Annabel (Kevwitch) behind the plate," McGrew said. "Annabel did a great job setting the expectation, now these younger girls are doing their part in stepping up to fill those shoes. "
So far, Emily Hawkins has started at that position through four games, though there is obviously time for other girls to continue making their case for the role.
Fagan and LeaTrea are two key veterans returning for Whitehall, but the Vikings have other experienced players on the team. Kayden Johnson, a Montague transfer, was a starter in center field for the Wildcats, Ryleigh Smith is poised for a big season, and Becca Miller returns as a senior. Smith tore her ACL in 2024 and that affected her play early last season, McGrew said, but she is now all the way back.
McGrew added that a strong group of juniors should boost the team, competing among each other as well as with the rest of the roster.
"Every coach knows a little competition in practice can lead to great things in games," McGrew said. "I fully expect some of these juniors to thrive this season."
A strong schedule should have Whitehall ready for a postseason run by the end of May. In addition to the WMC Lakes slate that includes Oakridge, the Vikings will play non-league games against prominent schools like Sparta, Grand Rapids West Catholic, Hamilton, Holland Christian and Mona Shores.
