LAST SEASON: 23-15 overall, 3-11 in O-K Blue conference. Beat Whitehall in first round of districts, then lost to state-ranked Oakridge 6-2 in a 10-inning marathon game in the district finals.

RETURNING PLAYERS: Senior pitcher Brooklynn Russell, senior center fielder Brylee DeWitt, sophomore third baseman Kalli Tawney, junior shortstop Maddie Prout, sophomore first baseman Kia Tawney, junior catcher Kendall Lee, junior outfielder Mia Aldridge, junior outfielder/pitcher Marlee Veltman.

LOTS OF MOMENTUM: The Trojans started off last season with a so-so record, then zipped off eight wins in their final 11 games to finish eight games above .500. They were at their best in the Division 2 district championship game against powerful Oakridge, going four extra innings in a nail-biter before losing. Big moments during the season included winning the Mona Shores Invitational, the Larry Cantu Memorial Tournament and sweeping rival Spring Lake in a doubleheader.

NEW CONFERENCE: Fruitport’s biggest challenge last year, and in previous years, was playing in the very tough O-K Blue conference. They suffered 11 of their 15 losses in conference play in 2024 while dominating non-conference opponents. This year the Trojans should find the competition much more to their liking in the O-K Silver.

EXPERIENED LEADERSHIP: Veteran head coach Bob Dorman is entering is entering his 18th season leading the varsity. He reached his 300th career victory last May.

SEASON OUTLOOK: The Trojans should be in very good shape with eight starters, including standout pitcher Brooklynn Russell, back from last year’s squad. Russell was a workhorse on the mound in 2024, pitching 182 innings, winning 18 games and posting 183 strikeouts. A lot of the other returning players carry big sticks and should produce a lot of runs. Prout led the team last year with a .469 batting average, Kia Tawney hit .414 and DeWitt hit .396. The Trojans gained a lot of confidence last year and appear poised to challenge for conference and postseason trophies this spring.

FIRST GAMES: Thursday at Covenant Christian, home on Monday against Kelloggsville.

COACH QUOTE: “We are in the O-K Silver conference this year, going against new teams that we have not played, coming from the O-K Blue, which I’ve always felt was one of the best conferences in West Michigan. That has prepared us to face the new teams.” – Bob Dorman