SARNIA – The future on the diamond gets brighter with each passing day.
Mikenna Verschueren has officially announced her commitment to Head Coach Greg Shortt and the Lambton Women’s Softball Program for the 2024 season and beyond.
Verschueren is the second players in the 2024 recruiting class for Shortt and his coaching staff, joining Gracie Harse (Petrolia, Ont.) as a newcomer with the Lions ahead of September.
“We are excited to welcome Mikenna as the newest Lion,” said Shortt. “She will be a great addition to our pitching staff and our infield rotation with her versatility, as well as in our lineup at the plate with a strong bat.”
Verschueren, a five-foot-seven pitcher / third baseman, comes to Lambton College by way of Glendale High School in her hometown of Tillsonburg. On the diamond, she is the latest student-athlete to join the Women’s Softball Program from the London Lightning Fastball program.
When she takes to the field come September in a Lambton uniform, Verschueren is hoping to use her versatility to her advantage.
“I’m looking forward to this opportunity,” said Verschueren. “I’m looking forward to meeting and playing with my Lambton teammates, and I’m looking forward to continuing my academic journey.”
“Fans and my teammates can expect to see someone who works hard, plays the game the right way, and is willing to do whatever is needed to help the team be successful.”
Academically, Verschueren will be enrolled in the Paramedic Program at Lambton College.
In years past, Shortt and his coaching staff have put an emphasis on recruiting local players, and Verschueren is the latest in a long line of players from nearby programs to join the Lions community. This off-season, they have put a focus on solidifying their pitching rotation, adding durable arms to the mix for years to come, and Verschueren checks that box.
Add in Mikenna’s ability to play the hot corner, as well as spots in the outfield, and the Lions have added a player that can contribute in many different ways for the program on both sides of the ball.
The Lions are coming off a 2023 season that saw the program once again contend for a playoff spot on the final weekend of the regular season for the second year in a row. Despite coming up short, the Lions continued to make positive strides in their second season in the OCAA, and they have their sights set on a post-season berth in 2024.
The addition of Verschueren to the mix only increases the levels of excitement and anticipation ahead of the 2024 season.
Welcome to The Den, Mikenna!
For more information, or for any media inquiries within Lambton College Athletics, please contact:
Tyler Bennett
Lambton College Sports Information & Marketing Coordinator
tyler.bennett@lambtoncollege.ca