Editor’s note: Sports Spotlight is a series on students who achieve noteworthy accomplishments in athletics as well as in the classroom.
Sophomore sensation Paige VanStee not only leads by example in three varsity sports, but also shines in the classroom.
“Paige VanStee has had an amazing spring in softball,” said Brian Hammer, athletic director and assistant principal at Thornapple Kellogg High School. “She is a three-sport athlete as a sophomore and is a great leader in our school. Our softball team is having a great year and she is a big part of it.”
Softball coach Tom Hudson described her as a complete package.
“She’s our leadoff hitter, very aggressive, been around the game a long time for a sophomore,” said Hudson, who is in his third year at TK after 19 at Wyoming Rogers. “She knows the game, and is developing into a vocal leader.
“She is a competitor; from hitting to fielding to running the bases … great personality and teammate. She is a true athlete.”
By the Numbers
Softball: This season, as a shortstop and pitcher, Paige batted .580 with 28 singles, 10 doubles, six triples, five home runs and 47 RBIs and an on-base percentage of .643. She also was All Conference and All District in 2018 and 2019. The Trojans (28-4 overall) won a Division 2 district title by beating Wayland 11-5 on Monday, June 3, at Hopkins. Ashley Snyder led with two home runs and Bella VanTil had three hits, including a homer. Thornapple Kellogg, undefeated OK Gold Conference champions at 12-0, ended its season with a 10-0 loss to Vicksburg in a regional semifinal game.
Basketball: This year, she averaged a team-leading 13.9 points, 10.3 rebounds, 3.5 steals, 2.5 assists and 1.1 blocks in her favorite sport, earning her All-Conference.
Golf: Averaged 48 with a best round of 41, usually from the 5-spot.
GPA: 3.93
Favorite Classes: Strength and conditioning, and math.
When Sports Became Key: “I started out young playing with my siblings, Holly and Taylor, and I never lost interest.”
Other Interests: “I absolutely love spending time with my 2-year-old niece, Olivia. I also enjoy spending time at my grandparents’ cottage with my friends and family.”
