Dundee's Emily Killion sparks resurgence at Ferris State softball
Emily Killion of Dundee helps transform Ferris State's softball program into a consistent winner.
BIG RAPIDS – Emily Killion has had a front-row seat to the rise of Ferris State's softball program over the past four seasons. The senior catcher from Dundee began her college career in 2023, appearing in two games for a program that finished 23-33. Killion has been in it for the long haul — watching the program grow from 23 wins to 25 in 2024 and 28 in 2025, including a berth in the NCAA Division II Tournament.
Ferris State's climb didn't happen overnight, making the progress even more gratifying. The Bulldogs wrapped up the 2026 regular season as one of the hottest teams with 11 consecutive victories. They reached the finals of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament for the first time since 2012, falling to top-seeded Saginaw Valley 2-1 in 9 innings on Sunday, May 10.
More: Cast your vote for Monroe County Region Athlete of the Week May 4-10 Ferris failed to receive a bid to the NCAA Division II Tournament despite a 37-20 record. The great closing run by the Bulldogs validated the excitement and optimism Killion was feeling coming into the season. "I was most excited about coming off a postseason run for the first time in so long," said Killion, who played in 40 games in 2025 and had 28 hits, including seven doubles, with 17 RBIs.
"To have made it as far as we did last year, with the players we've added to the program, we feel good about what we're going to have the opportunity to do this year. " When head coach Jake Schumann took the reins before the 2023 season, it sparked a new era of growth for the program. Ferris State's 25 wins in 2024 were the program's most in eight seasons.