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White inducted into Wayne State hall of fame

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Logan White says she was “a little bit shocked” to learn of her induction into the Wayne State University hall of fame.

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“It’s definitely an honour to be considered in the same class as some of those athletes,” said the 27-year-old Brantford native, who played softball at the Michigan university from 2011 to 2014.

White was part of a Brantford Bobcats group of players that dominated Canadian softball for several years earlier in the millennium. Playing second base, White was a member of Canada’s national junior team before heading off on a scholarship to play for the Warriors.

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The Pauline Johnson Collegiate graduate said she set a goal for herself after coaches Gary Bryce and Pat Kent walked her through the NCAA university’s halls, which were decorated with photos of past championship teams.

“I wanted a picture on the wall and a championship ring on my finger. My four years, that’s all I thought about.”

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Shifting to outfield in university, White wound up as a four-year softball letter-winner, earning the university’s female student-athlete of the year award for 2013-14.

The three-time all-region player finished in the top-four of seven career categories for Wayne State – second in stolen bases (36), third in batting average (.385) and hit by pitches (21) and fourth in games started (222), at bats (725), runs scored (152) and hits (279).

White said she is most proud of what her team accomplished.

“We had four pretty amazing years,” she said.

“The last three years we won our conference tournament and advanced to regionals. The last two years we advanced to super regionals. And, my senior year it was a perfect little cherry on top, we made it to the Division II World Series.

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“It was kind of a perfect way to end my career there.”

White was named to numerous conference sports and academic teams. She was on the academic honour roll each of her eight semesters and in seven semesters finished with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

She said is “very thankful” for her time at Wayne State.

“There were definitely a lot of ups and downs but the downs that you work through make it all worthwhile in the end,” said White, who earned a bachelor’s degree in media arts and studies and is now back in Brantford working for the Brant County SPCA as the team leader for community engagement.

White continued her playing career following university when coach Mark Smith invited her to try out for Canada’s national team.

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As an alternate, White wasn’t supposed to attend the Pan American Games in Toronto in 2015 but when another player was injured, she joined the team that eventually won gold.

“I was able to represent Canada at the Pan Ams, which was an incredible experience.”

White was on the Canadian team the following year and then finished her playing career by suiting up for Canada’s elite team.

“I kind of treated is as a bonus,” she said of her time playing after university.

“When I was done at Wayne State, I felt like I could be … completely happy with my career. I love softball, don’t get me wrong, but I’m in for more of the connection with it, the people and all that.

“I just felt like I was ready to move on, find a job I was passionate about, get a home and start that next chapter in my life.

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“I have no regrets.”

Last summer, she coached a Bobcats 16 and under Tier II team. And, in September, she plans to join a former coach, Erin Forman, in leading the Mohawk College women’s softball team.

“We’re actually co-head coaching,” said White.

“We’re excited to build up the program there. I’m looking forward to it.”

She noted that the previous coach at Mohawk was Todd Bannister, who was also one of her coaches when she played with the Bobcats

White thanked her parents, Bill and Lori, her husband, Eric Stengel, and all the others who helped her in her softball journey.

Looking back at her career, she said she most happy with the people she’s met along the way.

“That was the main thing for me, the relationships I built,” she said.

“Most of the girls on that Bobcats team, we’re in each other’s weddings and we see each other often.

“You look back at it and it seems like it’s been your entire life but in reality you might only play 10 or 15 years.”

She said softball has had a “huge impact” on her life.

“I always enjoyed playing and the people I played with. It’s definitely a family. I was very fortunate.”

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