Meadow Lake softball player earns back-to-back shots at national titles

Dufresne’s summer schedule expanded further after she was selected by a Sherwood Park club for the U19 national championship.

“It’s the exact same tournament; it’s just U19 instead of U17.”

Teams that finish among Alberta’s top three are allowed to select players from across the province to strengthen their U19 rosters. Dufresne and another Lloydminster teammate, Morgan Knight, were among those chosen by the Sherwood Park team.

“I’m super excited to go meet those girls.”

Meadow Lake’s Makenna Dufresne, left, and Lloydminster Liners teammate Morgan Knight pose during a previous softball tournament. The pair were both selected to join a Sherwood Park club for the U19 Canadian Softball Championship. (Image Credit: submitted/Makenna Dufresne)

Although the opportunity brings another chance to compete for a national title, Dufresne said the experience itself is what she values most.

“All the opportunities that I get and seeing all the coaches that I’ve played with previously and all of my other teammates that I’ve played with during the winter, it’s honestly just, like, fun to see everyone and be in that environment.”

In the weeks leading up to the tournaments, Dufresne has been preparing with daily practices, fielding work and batting sessions while making sure she gets enough rest.

“But other than that, I just try and rest up so I’m not super sore for when I get there.”

Dufresne’s softball journey began when she was about four years old after a program was established in Meadow Lake.

She later helped her local U12 team win a provincial championship before competing at zone showcases and joining a winter development program that took her to tournaments across the United States, including Tennessee, California, Georgia, Arizona and Las Vegas.

Makenna Dufresne of Meadow Lake competes for the Lloydminster Liners during a previous softball tournament. (Image Credit: submitted/Makenna Dufresne)

Her development has also led to the next step in her career. Dufresne has committed to play NCAA Division III softball at Webster University, just outside St. Louis, beginning in the fall of 2027.

Her mother, Amanda Dufresne, said the sport has become about much more than competition.

“It’s built such a great community. The girls she plays with in winter and summer have become her best friends, and the parents are just like family, so it’s just been a very positive experience for our whole family, actually.”

Although she will represent Alberta at two national championships this summer, Dufresne said she has not forgotten where her softball journey began.

“Honestly, it all started from Meadow Lake and all of my coaches that have helped me from when I was like four years old have really like shown me how much potential I have to go so far. And clearly their work from a young age has really paid off, and I’m just super grateful for that.”

—

Kenneth.cheung@pattisonmedia.com

by Kenneth Cheung

Meadow Lake softball player earns back-to-back shots at national titles

What's Trending