Novi softball’s Bennett earns player of the year honors, Prahin all-state

NOVI — A once-in-a-generation kind of player, Novi senior Reganne Bennett was the program-altering star the team needed throughout her three years on varsity, and her impact finally earned the recognition it deserved.

On June 9, Bennett was recognized as the 2022-23 Gatorade Michigan Softball Player of the Year after posting a .598/.664/1.295 offensive slashline, 18 home runs, 20 doubles, 60 runs and 63 RBIs on the year. A three-time all-state selection, including an all-state honor at first base, Bennett tallied an 11-5 record with a 1.12 ERA and 239 strikeouts in 131.2 innings this season on the mound, leading Novi to a 25-12-1 record on the year.

Bennett will be continuing her collegiate softball career at the University of South Carolina this year as the nation’s No. 18 recruit in the Class of 2023, according to Extra Inning Softball.

“Before Reganne, the program was struggling to find passionate players who not only wanted to play softball, but also do well,” Novi coach Catherine Marion said via email. “Since she’s passed through the program, girls at the lower levels are now seeing what the program can do if they put in the work, just like Reganne did. We now have many girls coming in who are looking to play softball competitively, which Novi hasn’t really had for a long time.”

The player of the year honor is awarded to the player who not only showcases talent on the field, but is strong both in the classroom and in the community as well.

Bennett earned Division 1 academic all-state honors after maintaining a 4.06 GPA and also has made vital impacts in her community as a volunteer with the Novi High School Unified basketball team, which is a program that encourages people with and without disabilities to play sports together. Bennett has also volunteered as an elementary school classroom aide.

While Bennett garnered a lot of the attention around Novi softball, junior Emma Prahin also had an incredible season in 2023.

Prahin was named Division 1 all-state honorable mention for the utility spot, posting impressive performances both in the infield and on the mound, and Prahin said her versatility brought a whole other element to her game.

“I would say I progressed the most in being able to play wherever my team needed me,” Prahin said. “This past season, I was able to play any position at any point during the game. I was a utility for all my previous years, but this past year was really the year I dominated on the field by being able to be successful wherever I was put.”

Prahin will be a senior Novi will count on to lead the squad in 2024, and Marion said she feels the team is in great hands.

“Next year, I expect Emma to be the leader of the group, given she has a great demeanor, she’ll finally get to be the top pitcher for our team (well deserved) and she’ll be one of two seniors,” Marion said. “I am very excited to have her next year and see her continue to grow.”