Local talent fuels breakout season for Mid Michigan College Lakers

What’s Happening: Local athletes powered a historic winter season for Mid Michigan College, helping lead the Lakers to conference championships, national tournament appearances, and program records. Athletes from communities across the region played key roles in the teams’ postseason success, highlighting the strength of local talent. 

What They Accomplished: The Laker Women’s Basketball team finished a perfect 14–0 in conference play and won the MCCAA Northern Conference Championship before claiming the NJCAA Great Lakes District B title to earn its fourth straight trip to the NJCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Championship. Regional athletes were instrumental in the team’s postseason success. Ithaca’s Delaney Seaman was named tournament MVP, while Alexus Dunn of Greenville and Gracie Mellinger of Alma earned spots on the district all-tournament team.

The Mid Michigan College Men’s Basketball team also captured the MCCAA Northern Conference title and secured its first-ever berth in the NJCAA Division II Men’s Basketball Championship after winning the district tournament. Mt. Pleasant’s Amonti Greene was named to the all-tournament team alongside Zack Parks of Lake Orion, who earned tournament MVP honors.

“Our players have shown resilience and belief in one another all year,” says Mid Michigan College Men’s Basketball head coach, Kaleb House. “Winning the conference and district titles is a testament to their commitment and the culture they’ve built together.”

Mid Michigan College’s Women’s Bowling team posted the best national finish in program history, placing fourth at the NJCAA national tournament after also winning the Region XII Championship. Standish’s Paige Vallad earned Region XII All-Events Champion and Region XII Singles Champion honors. Vallad, Lilly Massaway of St. Louis and Mya Jarvis of Saginaw were named to the Region XII All-Region Team. At the national tournament, Jarvis finished fifth overall in all-events. Vallad teamed with Aspen Davy of Gladwin to win the doubles championship, while Anyia Sanford of Remus and Autumn View of Standish finished second. Jarvis and Massaway placed sixth in doubles competition. Several Lakers also earned conference recognition, with Davy, Massaway, Vallad and View named to the MCCAA Eastern Conference All-Conference Team. Davy, Vallad and View were also named to the All-Freshman Team.

“This group set a new standard for our program,” says coach, Jason Robinson. “Their dedication, competitive spirit and support for each other helped produce a truly historic season.”

On the Mid Michigan College Men’s Bowling team side, Midland’s Evan Daly finished first in all-events at nationals among 137 competitors and placed second in singles, becoming the first men’s bowling All-American in Mid Michigan College history. Daly and Ty Olsen of New Lothrop also finished 10th in doubles. Daly was joined during the season by teammates Olsen, Mason Hopkins of St. Charles, Mason Temple of Owosso and Trey Craige of Alma.

The Mid Michigan College Softball program also celebrated a milestone as head coach Greg Welch of St. Johns reached 100 career wins with Laker Athletics.

What They’re Saying: “These accomplishments reflect the dedication of our student-athletes, coaches and the entire Laker community,” says Danny Smith, Mid Michigan College athletic director, about the multiple achievements. “We’re proud to see our teams competing and succeeding at the highest levels.”

More Information: Mid Michigan College Athletics compete in the Michigan Community College Athletic Association and the National Junior College Athletic Association.