Derkowski, LeBeau, Tholl Named Team Captains for 2024
11/7/2023 3:32:00 PM | Softball
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan softball head coach Bonnie Tholl announced Tuesday (Nov. 7) that junior Lauren Derkowski and seniors Jessica LeBeau and Keke Tholl will serve as team captains for the 2024 season.
"I am extremely about the leadership of Team 47," said Tholl. "You have people who have led our team physically on the field and now they have the opportunity to lead emotionally on the field. All three of them are young women of high character who understand the mission of Michigan softball and are here to help make this experience better for everyone. I couldn't be more excited about who our team has chosen to be its leaders."
Derkowski garnered All-Big Ten and NFCA All-Great Lakes Region second team accolades last season after posting an 18-14 record with a 2.12 earned-run average, five shutouts, 223 strikeouts and a .211 opponent batting average. She ranked 13th among the nation's leaders -- and second in the Big Ten -- in total strikeouts and averaged 7.7 strikeouts per seven innings. An Academic All-Big Ten honoree and Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, Derkowski is an industrial and operations engineering major.
LeBeau earned eight wins for the Wolverines last season and posted a 3.54 ERA with two shutouts and 99 strikeouts. She spent her first two collegiate seasons at Kent State and is an NFCA All-Mideast Region and two-time All-MAC honoree. LeBeau is majoring in psychology and earned Academic All-Big Ten honors last season.
Tholl was named to the 2023 NFCA All-Great Lakes Region third team after posting a breakout season at the plate last year. She registered career highs in all offensive categories, including a .289 batting average, eight doubles, 11 home runs and a team-best 48 RBI. Tholl served as batterymates with both of her now-fellow captains and caught three no-hitters last season -- and the first of Derkowski and LeBeau's collegiate careers. A business administration major, Tholl is a two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree.
Michigan will kick off its 2024 campaign at the annual USF Tournament, slated for Feb. 9-11, in Tampa, Fla. The Wolverines' full 2024 schedule will be announced soon.
