Grand Rapids, MI – Coach Jeremy Clark has been hard at work on the recruiting trail for the upcoming softball team, most recently signing Plainwell High School standout Emma Balkema. Emma is a RHP, Outfielder, SS, and utility player. Emma is the daughter of parents Steve and Nicole and has two siblings, Corbin and Harper.
Through high school, Balkema was a 3 year Varsity player as well as participating in club softball programs such as the Kalamazoo Klash and Flames. She was also named captain of her high school team in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Balkema boasts a .375 batting average.
Outside of softball, Balkema also plays basketball, is a member of the PALs program, and made the Honor Roll in school. Additionally, Balkema helps out her younger siblings’ teams as well as her local little league she used to be part of.
Balkema enjoys watching the MLB, college basketball, and softball. She also enjoys spending time with her friends after games by getting frozen yogurt. A couple of her favorite family activities are vacationing and watching MARVEL movies together.
Balkema had this to say on her signing, “I am looking forward to attending GCU in the fall because of the small class sizes and the campus. I am also excited to be a part of the first softball team at GCU.”
“Emma is always calm and steady,” said Head Coach Jeremy Clark. “She is a smart player who makes good decisions. She is a great fit for a new program as we look forward to building our culture!”
You’ll be able to catch the Tigers in action next year during the 2023-2024 academic year, so stay tuned for more!
