By Scott DeCamp
LocalSportsJournal.com
As a dominant ace pitcher, speedy leadoff hitter, and team leader for the Reeths-Puffer softball squad, Lainey McDaniel is accustomed to being in the spotlight.
In her rare moments of free time, however, the R-P senior likes to escape and recharge.
“To kind of step away from softball, I like to be alone and do art at the beach or I like to thrift,” McDaniel said. “I really like doing things alone. I think that’s a good way to reset my mind and, I don’t know, have a little peace in the midst of the chaotic season.”
The daughter of Cory and Megan McDaniel is signed to play softball at Ferris State University. Before that, Lainey McDaniel looked to finish her fabulous Reeths-Puffer career on a strong note.
“For me, already being committed, I think the pressure of it is off a little bit so my goal is to leave the (R-P) program better than I found it and help build up my teammates to leave the program better than they found it,” McDaniel said.
LocalSportsJournal.com
As a dominant ace pitcher, speedy leadoff hitter, and team leader for the Reeths-Puffer softball squad, Lainey McDaniel is accustomed to being in the spotlight.
In her rare moments of free time, however, the R-P senior likes to escape and recharge.
“To kind of step away from softball, I like to be alone and do art at the beach or I like to thrift,” McDaniel said. “I really like doing things alone. I think that’s a good way to reset my mind and, I don’t know, have a little peace in the midst of the chaotic season.”
The daughter of Cory and Megan McDaniel is signed to play softball at Ferris State University. Before that, Lainey McDaniel looked to finish her fabulous Reeths-Puffer career on a strong note.
“For me, already being committed, I think the pressure of it is off a little bit so my goal is to leave the (R-P) program better than I found it and help build up my teammates to leave the program better than they found it,” McDaniel said.
Reeths-Puffer senior Lainey McDaniel locks in on her target during a game against Fremont on April 23 at Reeths-Puffer High School.
(Photo by Scott DeCamp)
As a pitcher, McDaniel’s fastball touches 60 mph but velocity is not her game. She relies heavily upon her riseball and curveball, and this season she’s gone with a changeup as well. The goal is to keep hitters guessing.
When not pitching, McDaniel patrols center field and is often seen shouting encouragement to R-P freshman pitcher Makayla Jewett and teammates.
“She’s got a great arm, which is good for outfield, too,” R-P junior Tessa Ross said about McDaniel. “Underhand (in the pitcher’s circle), obviously she’s the GOAT. I think when she’s not pitching, having her in center is really beneficial because she can track balls really well and that is what we really need when we’re playing those tougher teams like Ravenna and Grand Haven and them.
“I am just glad that I’ve gotten to spend these years with her and I’m going to be so sad when I can’t catch for her anymore.”
In addition to her experience with the Rockets, McDaniel credits her time playing travel ball for Chris Ross (Tessa’s father) with the Sabercats and Finesse for helping her grow.
At the end of the day, being a good teammate is bigger to McDaniel than stats or achievements.
“I look to play for something bigger than myself. I want to set the example and I want to hold the standard that I expect for my teammates,” McDaniel said. “I don’t ever want to be the teammate that’s caught slacking or doing anything (negative); I want to really set the standard and make everyone else feel like they need to hold themselves to a high standard as well.
“I just want to be remembered as a good teammate, a hard worker. I want people to remember me as someone who never gave up when I stepped on the field and someone who supported my teammates. I think that’s more important than success stat-wise. That’s my hope when I leave.”
R-P softball coach Sarah Bayle said that McDaniel’s confidence has soared this season as she’s really leaned into a leadership role.
While McDaniel is generally the lead-by-example type, Bayle noted that she’s been more vocal.
Bayle, a Reeths-Puffer alumna, who also played softball at Ferris State, said that the Bulldogs are “super lucky” to have McDaniel on the way.
“I had her in class last semester, so I kind of got to see a different side of her,” said Bayle, who teaches social studies at Reeths-Puffer High School. “She’s such a light-hearted person and she’s goofy and she’s kind. She’s the kid that you want to see on the field and off the field, so super excited to know her as a player but also as a person.”
McDaniel, 17, intends on studying social work at Ferris State. She hopes to be able to travel in her profession.
While she’s very good at softball, it does not define her. While she possesses competitive fire, she has a softer side, too.
“As I’ve grown up, I’ve definitely found that I am very fulfilled by human connection and I think that for a career in the future is something I want to go into,” McDaniel said. “Plus, social work has a lot of avenues and I’m interested in traveling and seeing the world and different cultures so I think that opens up a lot of doors as well.”
When not pitching, McDaniel patrols center field and is often seen shouting encouragement to R-P freshman pitcher Makayla Jewett and teammates.
“She’s got a great arm, which is good for outfield, too,” R-P junior Tessa Ross said about McDaniel. “Underhand (in the pitcher’s circle), obviously she’s the GOAT. I think when she’s not pitching, having her in center is really beneficial because she can track balls really well and that is what we really need when we’re playing those tougher teams like Ravenna and Grand Haven and them.
“I am just glad that I’ve gotten to spend these years with her and I’m going to be so sad when I can’t catch for her anymore.”
In addition to her experience with the Rockets, McDaniel credits her time playing travel ball for Chris Ross (Tessa’s father) with the Sabercats and Finesse for helping her grow.
At the end of the day, being a good teammate is bigger to McDaniel than stats or achievements.
“I look to play for something bigger than myself. I want to set the example and I want to hold the standard that I expect for my teammates,” McDaniel said. “I don’t ever want to be the teammate that’s caught slacking or doing anything (negative); I want to really set the standard and make everyone else feel like they need to hold themselves to a high standard as well.
“I just want to be remembered as a good teammate, a hard worker. I want people to remember me as someone who never gave up when I stepped on the field and someone who supported my teammates. I think that’s more important than success stat-wise. That’s my hope when I leave.”
R-P softball coach Sarah Bayle said that McDaniel’s confidence has soared this season as she’s really leaned into a leadership role.
While McDaniel is generally the lead-by-example type, Bayle noted that she’s been more vocal.
Bayle, a Reeths-Puffer alumna, who also played softball at Ferris State, said that the Bulldogs are “super lucky” to have McDaniel on the way.
“I had her in class last semester, so I kind of got to see a different side of her,” said Bayle, who teaches social studies at Reeths-Puffer High School. “She’s such a light-hearted person and she’s goofy and she’s kind. She’s the kid that you want to see on the field and off the field, so super excited to know her as a player but also as a person.”
McDaniel, 17, intends on studying social work at Ferris State. She hopes to be able to travel in her profession.
While she’s very good at softball, it does not define her. While she possesses competitive fire, she has a softer side, too.
“As I’ve grown up, I’ve definitely found that I am very fulfilled by human connection and I think that for a career in the future is something I want to go into,” McDaniel said. “Plus, social work has a lot of avenues and I’m interested in traveling and seeing the world and different cultures so I think that opens up a lot of doors as well.”
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