By By ADAM FISHER / Niles Daily Star
This summer has proved that softball success follows Nicki McGowen wherever she goes.
As a senior pitcher at Brandywine this past year, McGowen went 38-5 on her way to an All-State First Team selection. She also helped lead the Bobcats to the state semifinals.
Upon the end of the high school season, and her career at Brandywine, McGowen opened a new chapter of her softball life. She began playing for the Kalamazoo Klash, a travel team.
Not only has playing for the Klash allowed her to keep playing softball, it has also allowed her to travel all over the country this summer.
McGowen actually started playing for the Klash in February, before her senior season began. She was with the team when it won the United States Specialty Sport Association Winter World Series in Orlando, Fla.
The Klash won the Winter World Series that was held at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex. McGowen had never been to Disney World before.
Though McGowen said Florida is the most exciting place she's been, traveling wiith the Klash has taken her to other locations.
Two weeks ago, McGowen and her family traveled to Columbus, Ohio for the National Softball Association Eastern World Series. After almost a week of rain delays, the Klash finished ninth out of 92 teams.
The Klash qualified for the NSA Super World Series next week in East Peoria, Ill., but didn't have enough players committed to go.
Other highlights this summer for McGowen and the Klash include taking second place at both the USSSA Michigan State Tournament and the Michigan Amateur Softball Association State Tournament.
While this summer has been successful for McGowen, it has also been busy.
It seems that it has been every weekend that she is on the road, McGowen's mother Chris Marlin said.
For making the All-State team, McGowen was picked to play in the Michigan All-State Tournament with other First Team selections in July. She initially had to pass on the opportunity because she was going to be away with the Klash.
It turns out the Klash wasn't on the road that weekend, but McGowen had already declined the offer. But when her replacement broke her arm, McGowen was able to play in the tournament.
McGowen hopes her winning this summer carries over to next season, when she will play for Lake Michigan College.
Marlin said she has been surprised over the years at how many people have cheered on her daughter. She hopes the fans will follow her to her college career.