I Committed: Carly Sleeman’s Journey to Central Michigan

Carly Sleeman began her freshman year at Central Michigan University last week.

The D1 Miss Michigan softball player hails from Zeeland, Mich., and has an impressive list of accolades attached to her name, including being named thrice to the D1 All-State 1^st Team.

Carly competed with the Michigan Storm Softball club since she was eight years old and has known she wanted to play in college since the age of 11.

Her mother and coach, Deb Vashaw Sleeman, as well as her elder sister Courtney Sleeman were both collegiate softball players. Having these women as role models, it’s no surprise to hear of Carly’s commitment and drive when it comes to her approach to the game.

“My older sister played at Western Michigan University and I never missed a game. I loved the competition, the energy, and the opportunity to play beyond High School.”

Making the All-State first team her sophomore year, Carly was named Captain for her high school team the following year, and maintained the title throughout the rest of her career. During these years, she played whatever position was needed for the success of the team.

Primarily a catcher, Carly was placed at both corners and alternated between the middle infield positions as well, making her a true utility player when September 1^st arrived her junior year.

She rounded out her impressive high school career with a bittersweet moment for the Sleeman family, as she broke the school’s record for career homeruns with 30, which was previously set by her sister.

But Carly’s journey was far from over. The dream she had nurtured for years was calling her to Central Michigan University, a rival of her sibling’s alma mater.

Having attended camps at the university since the 7^th grade, Carly had always been a huge fan of the program and could see herself as a Chippewa one day.

She heard from the coaching staff on the first of September and received an offer.

The pivotal moment arrived when CMU extended an offer on September 1 of her junior year.

“I went to some other schools for visits, but none of the other schools sparked my interest as much as CMU. The coaches, the staff, and the girls here have been so personable with not just me, but also my family.

She announced her commitment to the university on November 25, 2021.

“I wanted to make it kind of fun when I committed, so on Thanksgiving I had my whole family say one thing they were thankful for,” Carly shared. Purposely I went last and I told my family how thankful I was to have them and all their support. I continued by telling them how thankful I am to be a new Chippewa and play softball at Central Michigan University. I had my sister record the whole thing and I sent it over to the coaches! They had the best reactions and it made me feel even more at home and confirm that I made the right choice!”

Carly’s mom/coach Deb reflects on her daughter’s journey with pride,

“I’m so excited to watch her at CMU. When you see her on the field, you just never know what you are gonna get out of her. She is such an intelligent player and is truly just a different type of athlete. I can’t wait to just be a parent in the stands and offer support and love.”

Her journey, she knows, has only just begun, and the competition at the college level will be fierce, filled with individuals sharing her same drive, talent, and passion. But Carly embraces it with a sense of purpose, playing a little more relaxed and determined to be a role model for the kids in her community.

Carly will play her first season as a Central Michigan Chippewa this fall and plans to study Business Management and Marketing.

— Regan Weekly/Extra Inning Softball

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