Three Traverse City Softball Standouts Earn All-American Honors

Three of Traverse City’s top high school softball players have earned national recognition following outstanding performances during the 2026 season.

Traverse City Central pitcher Piper Cavanaugh, Central catcher Grace Cary and Traverse City West shortstop Delaney Witkop were selected to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association’s All-American teams. The organization recognized only 39 high school softball players from across the country.

The three selections highlight the exceptional level of talent displayed during this year’s crosstown softball rivalry between Traverse City Central and Traverse City West.

Piper Cavanaugh Named Second-Team All-American

Cavanaugh received the highest placement of the three local athletes, earning a spot on the NFCA Second Team.

As a pitcher for the Traverse City Central Trojans, Cavanaugh played a major role in the team’s success and established herself as one of the country’s leading high school softball players.

Her softball career will continue at the NCAA Division I level. Cavanaugh is expected to attend and play for the University of Oregon during the next academic year.

Grace Cary Earns Third-Team Recognition

Cavanaugh’s Central teammate Grace Cary was selected as a Third-Team All-American.

Cary served as the Trojans’ catcher, handling one of the most demanding defensive positions on the field while contributing to Central’s strong season.

She will also continue her career at the Division I level, joining the softball program at Ohio State University next year.

Delaney Witkop Represents Traverse City West

Traverse City West shortstop Delaney Witkop joined the two Central players on the national list, earning Third-Team All-American honors.

Witkop’s selection gave the Titans representation among the country’s top high school players and demonstrated the strength of softball on both sides of Traverse City’s crosstown rivalry.

She is scheduled to continue playing at Cleary University next year.

A Major Achievement for Traverse City Softball

Having three players from two local schools selected from a national group of only 39 athletes is a significant accomplishment for Traverse City softball.

The honors recognize the individual achievements of Cavanaugh, Cary and Witkop while also reflecting the strength of the area’s high school programs, coaches and competitive softball community.

Although the three players competed as rivals during the high school season, they now share one of the most prestigious distinctions available to a high school softball player.

Their next chapters will take them to Oregon, Ohio and Cleary universities, but each will carry a connection to Traverse City softball as she advances to the collegiate level.