- Michigan
Escanaba’s Gabi Salo wins 2020 Gatorade Michigan Softball Player of the Year honors
Gabi Salo was a sure bet to haul in hardware left and right during her senior season — had it happened.
And even with no season this year, she’s still got an addition to her trophy collection, bringing home Gatorade Michigan Softball Player of the Year honors for 2020.
The first player from Escanaba to win the award, the Wisconsin-bound Salo is now eligible for the national Gatorade Player of the Year honors, as well.
A three-time Division 2 first-team all-state selection, Salo led the Eskymos to two D2 titles as a sophomore and junior, and was awarded with the STATE CHAMPS! 2019 Total Softball Player of the Year award in the aftermath of her team’s win last year.
“Gabi throws harder than any pitcher we’ve faced in my 41 years,” Swan Valley head coach Tom Kennelly was quoted in the press release. “I don’t know what else to say, but she is a stud.”
Salo went 26-2 as a junior with an ERA of 0.23, 351 strikeouts and nine no-hitters. She finished her career with a 65-8 record, an 0.43 ERA, 824 strikeouts and 12 perfect games.
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Previous winners of Gatorade Michigan Softball Player of the Year honors
2019 — Lauren Esman, Richland Gull Lake
2018 — Jenny Bressler, Plymouth
2017 — Meghan Beaubien, Monroe St. Mary CC
2016 — Meghan Beaubien, Monroe St. Mary CC
2015 — Meghan Beaubien, Monroe St. Mary CC
2014 — Taylor Weaver, Romeo
2013 — Alyssa Huntley, Sterling Heights Stevenson
2012 — Briana Combs, Livonia Ladywood
2011 — Sara Driesenga, Hudsonville
2010 — Sara Driesenga, Hudsonville
2009 — Sara Driesenga, Hudsonville
2008 — Jenna Ignowski, Niles
2007 — Amanda Chidester, Allen Park Cabrini
2006 — Nicole Nemitz, Harper Woods Regina
2005 — Jessie Granger, Troy
2004 — Jessie Granger, Troy
2003 — Jill Deroache, Brighton
2002 — Ashley Smith, Portage Northern
2001 — Jessica Merchant, Wayland Union
2000 — Jessica Beech, Okemos
1999 — Robyn Golden, Belleville
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