SOFTBALL: Oxford’s Chloe Allen exits stage left in style
Oxford infielder Chloe Allen recently competed in the MHSSCA All-Star Game Courtesy Photo / Oxford Athletics
BY DAN STICKRADT
SENIOR EDITOR
Dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com
Twitter: @LocalSportsFans
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OXFORD – Before Chloe Allen’s arrival at Oxford, the Wildcats softball program didn’t have a ton of history in terms of success. She and her teammates helped put the program back on the map.
Allen, a 2019 Oxford grad, capped a fine four-year career by earning Division 1 All-State Honorable Mention accolades as well as being selected and competing in the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association All-Star Game at Central Michigan University to wrap up a stellar four-year varsity career.
Oxford’s Chloe Allen will play next year at Northwood University. Courtesy Photo / Oxford Athletics
“Because of travel ball, when I came in as a freshman I knew a bunch of the sophomores who were really good,” said Allen. “Kaitlyn Bean, Lauren Donaldson and Hannah Vachon were all good players that I knew and they had a good season the year before I got to Oxford,” said Allen. “They are all playing in college now, but I think we had some really good teams. We wanted to win our district and win our last game every year. Even though that didn’t happen because our district was so (tough), I Ioved playing softball at Oxford. We had a lot of fun and won a lot of games.
“Being selected to the all-star game was awesome. I had a lot of fun playing with some of the best players in the state,” continued Allen, who also plays summer travel softball with the Michigan Generals. “It’s sad because my career at Oxford is over, but I have a ton of memories. And it’s not like I’m done playing. I will play next year in college. I’m really looking forward to it. (Northwood University) needed some middle infielders and that’s where I mainly play. I’ve played everywhere but pitcher, catcher and first base and love to play wherever I am (placed). I just love to be out on the field. But I played a lot of second base at Oxford and that’s where Northwood has openings.”
Oxford’s Chloe Allen was all smiles after garnering Division 1 All-State Honorable Mention honors. courtesy Photo / Oxford Athletics
Allen signed with Division II Northwood back in February. She had received some contact from some other D-II, D-III and NAIA schools, but being a finance major, she knew Northwood was the best fit.
At the All-star game, Allen’s White Team lost 2-1, but she made a pair of putouts in the field and reached base after being hit by a pitch.
“It was a great game, very close. I’m glad I gained the experience of playing in it,” noted Allen.
This past season, Allen hit around .450 from the No. 3 spot in the order and earned All-OAA Red Division, All-District and All-Region honors as well. Allen ranks in the school’s top 10 in numerous categories for her career, and departs as the school all-time home runs leader (11). She led the Wildcats in home runs all four years.
Her dad and Oxford head coach Kenny Allen was quick to praise his daughter’s play on the diamond.
“Chloe was a four-year starter for Oxford High School. She played all positions besides pitcher and catcher in her career. She had a career batting average over .450 and led the team in home runs all four years,” said Coach Allen. “Chloe was named All-League and All-District for three years, as well as All-Region for three years. She was All-State for her senior year.”
Chloe Allen excelled at numerous positions during her prep career at Oxford and ranks in the top 10 in numerous categories of the school records books. Courtesy Photo / Oxford Athletics
Allen also got the job done in the classroom, registering a 4.1 GPA to finish in the Top 25 academically at Oxford. She scored a 25 on her Act and 1240 on her SAT to help her get into Northwood. She will participate in an advanced academics program at Northwood, attempting to gain her bachelor’s degree in three years and master’s in the fourth year all while playing softball.
“It’s going to be a challenge, but I think I’m up for it,” said Allen. “I’ve worked hard my whole life, especially in softball, so I’m used to it.”
Onto the next chapter for Chloe Allen.
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