PLAYER OF THE YEAR

BROOKE BONSEN

School: Lynden

Year: Junior

Position: Pitcher

What she did: Developed into one of the best pitchers in the Northwest Conference, as well one of the best overall players. ... Recorded 17 more wins than she had in 2011 by earning a record of 19-5. ... Had an ERA of 1.88, struck out 106 batters and walked just 19. ... Hit for an average of .435 with 33 RBI, 11 doubles and two home runs. ... Voted league Most Valuable Player by conference coaches. ... Led the Lions to a Class 2A State Tournament berth and an overall record of 21-5.

Coach's quote: "Brooke isn't your pitcher in fast pitch that gets a ton of strikeouts, but she throws a lot of strikes. She is just a great teammate, and she's the kind of kid the team rallies behind. One thing that makes her difficult is that she doesn't throw strikes right down the middle. She can throw on the edges and field like a third baseman and get the lead runner. I was pleasantly surprised (by her record), but I knew she'd have a good year." - Steve Petersen

COACH OF THE YEAR

STEVE PETERSEN

School: Lynden

What he did: Led a youthful Lions team to their second Class 2A State Tournament in as many years after not qualifying for state since 2002. ... Finished with a league mark of 12-1 and an overall record of 21-5. ... Won first 18 games before losing to Sedro-Woolley to end the regular season. ... Voted league Coach of the Year by conference coaches. ... Coached four All-NWC selections, including Player of the Year Brooke Bonsen.

FIRST TEAM

RACHEL ALBERT

School: Sehome

Year: Junior

Position: Shortstop

What she did: One of the most gifted athletes in the Northwest Conference. ... Has a great glove to go along with her skills at the plate. ... Hit for an average of .465, scored 42 runs and recorded 30 RBI. ... Displayed the ability to hit for power with eight home runs. ... A first-team All-NWC selection. ... Helped the Mariners earn a berth to the Class 2A State Tournament and finish with a 12-14 overall record.

Coach's quote: "She is a special talent, and she is just as talented on the softball field as she is on the soccer field and basketball court. She is a pleasure to have and, as far as talent goes, she's about the most talented girl I think Sehome High School has ever had. I'm just very lucky to have her playing with us. She is just really consistent, and she has followed her goalie mentality at shortstop in that she doesn't like anything going by her." - Jim Emerson

KATIE BRUDWICK

School: Ferndale

Year: Senior

Position: Shortstop

What she did: Served as a significant leader acting as team co-captain. ... Earned leadership award at year-ending banquet. ... Hit for an average of .423 with an on-base percentage of .500. ... Scored 21 runs, recorded eight RBI, drew 10 walks and stole 11 bases. ... Proved her ability to play both outfield and infield during Ferndale career. ... An All-NWC second-team selection.

Coach's quote: "Katie bats left and showed her ability to put the ball in play and get on base this year. A leader on the field, she helped to guide a young team by encouraging them to be patient, continue working hard and supportive of each other. Starting off as an outstanding center fielder, Katie was pulled in to excel at shortstop these past two seasons. We wish her well on her life's journey. She will be missed on the field." - Holly Hilton

KATIE COOKE

School: Bellingham

Year: Senior

Position: Pitcher

What she did: A four-year varsity player who developed into one of the stronger pitchers in the league. ... Recorded 129 strikeouts and had four 10-plus strikeout games, including a 13 strikeout game against Mount Vernon. ... Hit for an average close to .300. ... A second-team All-NWC selection. ... Helped the Red Raiders earn their first multi-win season in six years.

Coach's quote: "I think Katie had an outstanding year. She was kind of the focal point of every game we played this season. She worked really hard in the offseason from what I've heard. She pitched 95 percent of all innings for us this year, and she had above average speed with a changeup, rise and dropball. The biggest thing I noticed about her was her demeanor on the mound when things weren't going well behind her. She didn't let it affect her." - Rick Ellis

CHLOE GARDNER

School: Nooksack Valley

Year: Sophomore

Position: Second base/Outfield

What she did: A standout on defense, splitting time at second base and outfield. ... Batted in the No. 3 hole and hit for a .511 average with an on-base percentage of .607. ... Recorded 10 doubles, 27 RBI and three home runs. ... A first-team All-NWC selection. ... Helped the Pioneers win the 1A Tri-District Tournament, earn a Class 1A State Tournament berth and finish with a 22-4 overall record. ... Also a standout wrestler.

Coach's quote: "Chloe is as versatile a player as we have ever had. She could do the old Ken Griffey commercial where she is the pitcher, the catcher and the outfielder. She matches her skill with great savvy and an old school work ethic. (She's) a competitor that knows how to be present for her team in key situations." - Tom Harmon

GABBY GOROSAVE

School: Sehome

Year: Freshman

Position: Catcher/Third base

What she did: Showed versatility by moving from her natural shortstop position and accepting a role as a third baseman and catcher. ... Hit for a whopping average of .522, and led Sehome in hits with 47. ... Placed second on the team in runs with 31, led the team with 35 RBI and hit five homers. ... A second-team All-NWC selection. ... Helped the Mariners earn a Class 2A State Tournament berth and a 12-14 overall record.

Coach's quote: "She started the season off playing third base. She played one game at short when Rachel (Albert) was out and she finished the season catching for us. She is a very talented softball player, and it was absolutely a pleasure to have a freshman come in and understand the game. (Two-time All-Whatcom County POY) Austin (Wilkerson) came in as a freshman, and Gabby did the same thing." - Jim Emerson

ERIKA HEYSTEK

School: Lynden Christian

Year: Senior

Position: Outfield

What she did: A staple in the Lynden Christian softball program, playing four years on varsity. ... Proved during her career the ability to play infield and outfield. ... Batted .317 with an on-base percentage of .481. ... Also drove in 19 runs, had 16 stolen bases, six doubles, four triples and a homer. ... A second-team All-NWC selection. ... Led the Lyncs to a 13-16 record overall and a berth to the Class 1A State Tournament, where LC went 2-2.

Coach's quote: "Erika was hands down one of the leaders of our team. She was the catalyst of our defense out in center field and turned many potential extra base hits into outs for the opposing team by chasing down balls hit in the gaps. Erika finished off a great career at LC by helping our team to a fine finish at the state tournament." - Mitch Moorlag

JORDYN LALLAS

School: Mount Baker

Year: Senior

Position: Third base

What she did: Billed as the "heart and soul" of the team throughout the season by coach Ron Lepper. ... A strong infielder with an even better bat. ... Hit for an average of .468 with 30 RBI, 41 runs, 12 stolen bases and three homers. ... A first-team All-NWC selection. ... Helped Mount Baker win seven of its last nine games to get into the playoffs. ... Led the Mountaineers to a 14-10 overall record and a Class 2A State Tournament berth.

Coach's quote: "As I have said all year long, she was the heart and soul of our team. Great work ethic, unselfish and great leadership - she was a role model for other girls. And maybe even more important, she loves the game and has fun by pushing herself hard all the time. She will be missed. She is going to play at Bellevue next year." - Ron Lepper

MCKINNA LARSON

School: Nooksack Valley

Year: Junior

Position: Shortstop

What she did: A standout at shortstop with her steady glove. ... Batted leadoff and hit for an average of .471 with an on-base percentage of .603. Drove in 39 runs and hit 12 doubles and five homers. ... A first-team All-NWC selection. ... Helped the Pioneers win the 1A Tri-District Tournament, earn a Class 1A State Tournament berth and finish with a 22-4 overall record.

Coach's quote: "Lars took her game to a different level this year. Her range at shortstop was cat-quick, (and she has) a strong, accurate arm. Offensively, she was wicked. Her pitch selections were much better this year, with 17 walks and only seven K's in 121 AB's. I love watching her hit. She is constantly looking for a good pitch and, when she gets it, she just lays the lumber to it, usually resulting in a haircut for someone." - Tom Harmon.

LEXI MCELWAIN

School: Blaine

Year: Sophomore

Position: Pitcher/Utility

What she did: Stepped up into a huge role as Blaine's go-to pitcher after the Borderites suffered early injuries. ... Also proved to be a force at the plate, rising from the mid to lower portion of the lineup to the No. 3 hole by season's end. ... Coach Alisa Burk said she believed McElwain hit for an average around .368. ... Second on the team in RBI. ... A second-team All-NWC selection. ... Helped lead a young Blaine team to a 6-14 overall record.

Coach's quote: "At the beginning of the season we had a big loss with one of our junior pitchers, so Lexi was forced into the position a little bit. She accepted that role pretty well. We knew she'd be a big part of our team, and she carried us at points during the season. She was definitely a leader and was voted MVP by the girls. She was just an exceptionally tough competitor all the way around." - Alisa Burk

MEAGAN MCINTYRE

School: Sehome

Year: Junior

Position: Pitcher

What she did: Battled early injuries but still performed well in the circle all year. ... Compiled a record of 10 wins and 10 losses. ... Hit for a .430 average, stole 26 bases, drove in 13 runs and finished in a tie for second on Sehome with most hits batting leadoff. ... A second-team All-NWC selection. ... Helped the Mariners earn a Class 2A State Tournament berth and a 12-14 overall record.

Coach's quote: "We don't even get to districts without Meagan. To make it to state, you know, we had an incredible run at the end of the season, and we don't make that run without her. She really hadn't recovered from injuries at the beginning of the year. She was limited, but she continued to pitch. There was no better leadoff hitter all year. She really had an incredible all-around year. For a kid, whatever she is, 5-3 or 5-4, you'd think she was 6 feet tall. She did it all for us." - Jim Emerson

TRISHA SNYDAR

School: Lynden

Year: Second base

Position: Sophomore

What she did: A strong all-around player who proved she can hit and field with her .444 batting average and .980 fielding percentage in 98 chances. ... Scored 29 runs batting in the heart of Lynden's lineup and recorded 32 RBI. ... Praised for her hard work and willingness to improve. ... A second-team All-NWC selection. ... Helped lead the Lions to a Class 2A State Tournament berth and an overall record of 21-5.

Coach's quote: "Trisha is a self-made player. She may not be the biggest, strongest or fastest kid, but she is always working on improving every part of her game. Combine that with her love and savvy for the game, and you have a very solid, dependable player who a coach has confidence (in and) is always ready to play. Trisha sets her goals and puts the time in to achieve those goals." - Steve Petersen

KELLI TERPSMA

School: Meridian

Year: Senior

Position: Second base

What she did: A four-year varsity player who's been Meridian's second baseman for nearly half a decade. ... Has a reliable glove and proved her ability to get on base batting leadoff. ... Compiled a .303 batting average with 13 RBI and 28 runs scored. ... Had a team-high 20 stolen bases. ... Helped lead Meridian to its first Class 1A State Tournament berth since 2005, a 12-18 record overall and a 5-5 record in postseason play.

Coach's quote: "Kelli has been a pleasure to coach. She always put the team first, doing or playing whatever asked. Kelli will always have a special place in my heart. She was a freshman when I first got the varsity job. So being able to watch her grow as a softball player was fun. But more importantly, Kelli epitomizes our program. She is a great student and a young lady that has character and integrity. I wish her the best of everything as she attends UW next fall." - Tony Johnson

TAYLOR VANDALEN

School: Lynden

Year: Junior

Position: Outfield

What she did: One of the major reasons the Lions averaged 9.15 runs per game. ... Racked up a .523 batting average typically hitting out of the No. 2 hole. ... Also scored 29 runs. ... Proved to have a reliable glove in the outfield. ... A second-team All-NWC selection. ... Helped the Lions to a Class 2A State Tournament berth and an overall record of 21-5.

Coach's quote: "Taylor is a very athletic girl who I feel is just starting to come into her own as a player. She has improved every year she has been in high school, and it is going to be interesting to see just how good she can be. It is easy to coach Taylor, because all you have to do is put her somewhere in the top of your lineup and she is going to get on base. She is a deceptively tough, competitive girl who is always willing to put in extra time." - Steve Petersen

MANDY WARNER

School: Lynden

Year: Freshman

Position: Catcher

What she did: Made an immediate impact on Lynden's softball program, starting at catcher and batting leadoff as a freshman. ... Praised for her speed, hitting abilities and presence amongst teammates. ... Caught for All-NWC Player of the Year Brooke Bonsen. ... Hit .474 with an on-base percentage of .559. Scored 41 runs, had 23 RBI with nine doubles, five triples and two homers. ... An All-NWC first-team selection. ... Helped the Lions compile a record of 21-5 and earn a Class 2A State Tournament berth.

Coach's quote: "Mandy Warner is a player. As a freshman, she hit the ground running and never looked back. Mandy was a wonderful combination of speed and power. We led off Mandy, and she sort of set the tone for the team offensively. Mandy is a hard-nosed kid who is also an outstanding teammate, and it is very exciting to have her around for three more years." - Steve Petersen

CORRIE WILSON

School: Ferndale

Year: Junior

Position: Catcher

What she did: A tremendous defensive catcher and a perfect fit for a group of young Ferndale pitchers. ... Co-captain with teammate Katie Brudwick. ... Voted team Most Valuable Player. ... Hit for an average of .492 with an on-base percentage of .588. ... Scored 25 runs and recorded 25 RBI, seven doubles, two triples and two homers. ... A first-team All-NWC selection.

Coach's quote: "Corrie can play any position on the field, (but played) primarily catcher this year. She proved to be a threat behind the plate by keeping runners from advancing and/or picking them off. Corrie had 13 assists and 83 PO's this year. (She) called her own game and did well controlling the team from behind the plate. Only committing three errors this season, she is a force on the field - Amazing!" - Holly Hilton

MEGAN YOUNG

School: Mount Baker

Year: Junior

Position: Shortstop

What she did: Batting high in the order, she often set the tone for the rest of Mount Baker's potent lineup. ... Provided the Mountaineers with a reliable glove at shortstop. ... Finished the season with a batting average of .476. ... Scored 36 runs, stole 14 bases and hit two home runs. ... A first-team All-NWC selection. ... Helped Mount Baker win seven of its last nine games to get into the playoffs. ... Led the Mountaineers to a 14-10 overall record and a Class 2A State Tournament berth.

Coach's quote: "Megan has a good mix of speed and power. She set the table for our team this year and was a tough out. I believe she improved as the year went on, and we will look to her for leadership and experience next year." - Ron Lepper

HONORABLE MENTION

Player School

Amber Adams Meridian

Jazlyn Allen Bellingham

Chance Appel Meridian

Tanna Benson Lynden

Collette Brown Ferndale

Shelby Brown Lynden Christian

Julia Bosscher Nooksack Valley

Nicole Compton Mount Baker

Lauren Dykstra Nooksack Valley

Cassidy Gunst Lynden

Brooke Handerson Lynden Christian

Morgan Henry Mount Baker

Kendra Holmes Meridian

Kadence Kane Ferndale

Bridget Kruck Lynden Christian

Emma Lallas Mount Baker

Renae Mader Ferndale

Juliana Magliano Meridian

Alexus Mattice Nooksack Valley

Hallie Messenger Sehome

Ana Miksovsky Sehome

Scarlett Nyenhuis Ferndale

Carmen Parker Mount Baker

Lindsay Pysden Squalicum

Natalee Sellers Blaine

Kayla Struiksma Nooksack Valley

Aleks Toivola Mount Baker

MaKenna Weeks Lynden

Margaret Williams Blaine

Reach ANDREW LANG at andrew.lang@bellinghamherald.com or call ext. 862.