THE Spring Games 2024 are returning to FloSoftball this February and there's one Division II match-up that should be on everyone's radar as we draw near to the games: Grand Valley State vs the University of Minnesota Mankato.

The Lake Show

The 2023 NCAA Division II finalist Grand Valley State Lakers (GLIAC) will be back in action at THE Spring Games. After going 10-2 at the Games in 2023, and 48-8 on the season, they plan on having another highly successful spring break in Central Florida. 

Having come to THE Spring Games since 2009, the Lakers are one of the “Old Guard” of THE Spring Games. In 2023, Grand Valley fought for its first National Title and it looks like 2024 could be their year. This season, the Lakers are expecting to have another great showing. 

“We have 5 returning seniors who are unique in their own ways that will impact this team. We also have a talented recruiting class of freshmen who have adjusted to the college game well,” says Head Coach Dana Callihan about her team.

One of the top matchups expected at THE Spring Games 2024 is the Grand Valley State game against the University of Minnesota, Mankato, scheduled for March 4 at Winter Haven’s DiamondPlex. Both Head Coaches have been coming to Central Florida for sunny softball for over a decade and Coach Lori Meyer (Mankato) is currently the winningest coach in the NCAA DII softball ranks.

The Mavs

In 2023, the University of Minnesota, Mankato (NSIC) finished 31-19 (20-10 in conference). In 2023, the Mavericks went 4-5 at THE Spring Games including two that were tough losses in the 9th inning facing very high competition.

2024 will mark the 10th year that the Mavericks have attended THE Spring Games. Coach Meyer shares her commitment to THE Spring Games: “THE Spring Games has so much history, they have incredible loyalty to those who have come year after year and work hard in getting teams what they are looking for. The competition is unmatched and being there puts me in a comfort zone with great weather and outstanding facilities. I’ve got to go somewhere where I can get my games in,” Minnesota Mankato Head Coach Lori Meyer.

Coaches Bio

Coach Callihan will begin her 10th season as Grand Valley State’s head softball coach during the 2023 campaign. During her nine years at the helm of the GVSU program, Callihan owns a 352-96 overall record (.789) and a 170-34 mark (.833) in GLIAC play. She has been named the GLIAC Coach of the Year each of the last six seasons. 

Coach Meyer has occupied the third-base coaching box at Minnesota State for the last 39 years. That’s a span of 2,102 games, 1,366 victories, 31 All-Americans, 122 All-Conference (NCC & NSIC) performers and 170 Academic All-Conference recipients. During that time, Minnesota State has won three North Central Conference titles and five Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference titles and made 17 trips to the NCAA Division II National Tournament. Meyer was selected as one of four inductees to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA). Her 1,366 wins rank first all-time amongst active coaches and second all-time in NCAA Division II history.

2024 TSG Division II Teams to Watch

• Bentley University (NE10) 
• Caldwell University (CACC) 
• Grand Valley State University (GLIAC)*
• Hillsdale College (GMAC) 
• Lewis University (GLVC)
• Ohio Christian University (RSC)
• St. Thomas Aquinas College (ECC) 
• University of Charleston, WV (MEC)*
• University of Indianapolis (GLVC)*
• University of Missouri-St. Louis (GLVC) 
• University of Minnesota Duluth (NSIC) 
• West Virginia Wesleyan College (MEC)

* 2023 Top 25, NCAA Coaches Poll