Zeeland West's Bri Kamer follows Dux history of elite softball catchers
Bri Kamer, Megan Strabbing lead power surge for the Dux, who swept the Chix in a softball rivalry doubleheader.
ZEELAND - Bri Kamer proves she is one of the best catchers in the state on a daily basis. The Zeeland West junior has something rarely seen in catchers - the total package. Kamer can hit, hit with power, field, has a cannon of an arm, but also has the intangibles of leadership and softball IQ to maker her one of the state's best.
It is something first-year coach Randall Mikkelson noticed the first day on the job. "When I walked in and realized what I had at catcher, I was blessed. Her leadership is the biggest thing.
I learned that real quick. When we had the youth camps, she took charge and was at every session," Mikkelson said. "It is pretty rare to have a catcher with all the tools.
In the past, I have had catchers with the glove but not the bat, or the bat and not the glove. " While it is rare, the Dux have been fortunate to have several catchers have the full package over the years, including Carly Sleeman who plays at the University of Kentucky. Her sister Courtney was also an NCAA Division I player, while Mandee Michielsen was yet another Dux catcher to earn Sentinel Softball Player of the Year.