The Softball America Spotlight: 2026 Laini Michaelis

As Softball America grows its coverage at all levels, we continue our recruiting spotlight series with Laini Michaelis. The catcher and first baseman from Nebraska recently committed to the University of South Dakota.

Name: Laini Michaelis
Primary Position(s): C/1B
Class Year: 2026
Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska
Travel Ball Organization: Nebraska Gold

As Softball America grows its coverage at all levels, we continue our recruiting spotlight series with Laini Michaelis. The catcher and first baseman from Nebraska recently committed to the University of South Dakota.

Name: Laini Michaelis

Primary Position(s): C/1B

Class Year: 2026

Hometown: Omaha, Nebraska

Travel Ball Organization: Skutt Catholic High School

What about South Dakota did you love the most? 

There are many things that I love about the University of South Dakota. I was able to observe the amazing culture that the team had during my visit, and I could also see that the relationships between the coaches and players were strong. I appreciate the variety of classes offered and the charming campus of USD.

What is your favorite travel ball memory?

My favorite travel ball memory was during the 12U Top Gun Tournament in Kansas City. We were in pool play and were playing a Corona Angels team. One of their players slid into my teammate who was catching that game. She broke her ankle in the collision. I was the only other person on the team who played catcher. We still had one more day of pool play, and then bracket the last day. We won the rest of our games in pool play. Then the bracket came out. It would take seven games to win the championship, played over one and a half days. I was the only catcher, so I knew I was going to be catching all of those seven games. It was 101-105 degrees with high humidity. We won the whole Top Gun Maverick Division Championship. One of my other teammates had to go to the hospital because of a heat stroke, and they also had to get a new umpire in the semifinal game because he was about to pass out. It was extremely hot, but I knew that I wanted to do this for my team. I felt such a sense of accomplishment and felt that all of our hard work paid off. All that mattered was that we all gave it everything we had, and that was even better than the trophy and medals. I have never felt prouder of myself and the team.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from a coach?

I have learned a variety of important things from many different coaches. Leadership has been a skill that I have been trying to master for a long time. I have the voice, but my high school head coach, Ryan Glatter, helped me learn to use it as a motivator and develop the words I used into a leadership skill. My high school assistant coach, who is also my dad, taught me to recognize who I’m talking to and change my voice and words according to how they will best listen and respond. My club coach last year, Nicole Butler, taught me how to call pitches on my own. This has helped with my pitchers’ confidence in me. Also, it’s easy to forget, but all you can control is your attitude and effort. For me to focus just on controlling what I can control has been essential for me to become a good leader.

How did you get interested in softball? 

I got interested in softball simply because my parents played softball/baseball and wanted me to try it. So I started out in T-ball, loved the game then, and as I’ve gotten older, my appreciation for all aspects of the sport has only increased. I even started catching during tee ball because my dad told me it was a way to be involved in every play. 

What are your strengths as a player? What are you trying to improve on the most? 

I think that some of my strengths are being a good teammate and being able to talk to everyone. I also am very loud and outgoing which has helped me develop the ability to be a leader while I’m catching and get to know my teammates on and off the field better. I think that I am a really strong hitter, and I am able to make contact and see the ball well when I’m hitting. One thing that I would like to improve on the most is the mental side of things. I would like to get a better understanding of failing and how to get the most out of the times I don’t get on base or make the play.

What player(s) do you look up to the most? 

I look up to Kinzie Hansen and Ruby Meylan because they both work really hard and it shows when they are playing. They both carry their selves so confidently and have a stride that no one can stop. With Kinzie she is such a stud behind the plate and you can tell she is a leader that even her own teammates look up to.

What are your favorite hobbies outside of softball? 

I love competing by playing other sports. I play basketball for my high school and have been on varsity for the last three years. I enjoy playing basketball because it’s just so different than softball. I am able to have fun competing and staying in shape. We have been state runner-ups in my first two years of high school and are going for the championship this season. I also do track with the long jump and triple jump being my main events. This is good for me because it’s not only competing against other people but also against yourself to see if you can set another personal record. I am a strong proponent of the belief that playing multiple sports has helped my softball game.

What excites you the most about playing college softball?

I am most excited about seeing what college softball is like and how it will be different than the club and high school experiences I’ve had up to this point. I think it’s going to be exciting playing with girls from all over who love and excel at softball and being able to connect with them. I am also excited to see how everything develops with me and see how hard I can push myself to earn a spot on the field.

For transfer portal news, stay up to date with the Softball America transfer wire and the Dugout, our discussion board for members.

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