After winning a Upper Peninsula team tennis title and having another dominant season in basketball, Prophet came out swinging this year in softball and had a huge year. With a batting average of .589 and 10 home runs, she received All-Region and All-State Honorable Mention accolades.

Now with one last game on the horizon to play the game of softball, which she’s played since 6 years old, is worth the time to reflect.

“It’s been a lot of fun,” Prophet said. “I’ve played softball since I was 6 years old, I’ve been traveling every summer since I was 10. To come out and have local people see me play softball rather than playing downstate or in Wisconsin has been a lot of fun.”

Not only has Prophet put up the stats, but her leadership has been lauded by her coach Cherish Ostola and her teammates.

She was nominated for Team Player award by her teammates and was a team captain. Ostola described Prophet as a kind human being always willing to give back to her team however she can.

“It’s hard to sum up Natalie,” Ostola said. “A lot of times when kids are so talented, they’re not great teammates, but she really is. She’s a captain, she’s a leader, she’s a friend. She’s done a great job and we will miss her next year.”

What Westwood will also miss is the leader of a new culture that’s been incorporated into the program. There’s big shoes to fill, Ostola said, and she’s proud of her graduating senior.

A part of that culture is setting an example for the youth in the community. Ostola’s daughter looks up to Prophet, she said, and that Prophet is always leading the kids at their camps. It’s also very important to Prophet that the young girls in Westwood are able to find inspiration from her to play for the Patriots.

“I just hope all the little girls see that and want to the play the game too when they’re older,” Prophet said.

With the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association All-Star game approaching on July 13, Prophet wants to show not only the Westwood girls, but girls all over the U.P., that you can make it downstate and play a big game. The Division 3 All-Star game takes place at noon.

“Being in this All-Star game downstate, I’m hoping that the U.P. girls realize that you might get your shot to play downstate,” Prophet said. “Keep going, we’re so secluded up here, keep going and maybe you’ll end up playing downstate and be able to play at the state level.”

Travis Nelson can be reached by email at tnelson@miningjournal.net.