Photos by Ray Hamill/HumboldtSports.com – The 2025 Humboldt Sports Softball Player of the Year finalists.

By Ray Hamill — It’s almost time to announce the 2025 Humboldt Sports Softball Player of the Year.

It was another exciting season on the H-DNL fields, with one team solidifying its status as a dynasty, another ending a long, long wait for a championship, and yet another clinching a first Charles Lakin tournament in several years.

The Del Norte Warriors showcased their talent, depth and experience by winning a third straight Big 5 championship, although the Fortuna Huskies pushed them all the way,.

The Huskies carried that momentum into the H-DNL postseason, taking home a Lakin tournament trophy with a clutch performance in the final.

In the Little 4, it was a season to remember for the South Fork Cubs, who won a conference title for the first time in 35 years.

And with such a young lineup, the Cubs look like they will be the team to beat once again next spring.

All three of those championship teams make up our pool of finalists.

The winners will be announced this coming weekend, along with our choice for team of the year and coach of the year.

But first up are our six finalists for player of the year.

As always, it was difficult just limiting the pool of candidates to just six, with numerous other players also receiving plenty of consideration.

All six players enjoyed outstanding seasons for their respective teams, including two who were named conference MVPs.

Of the six, four were seniors, one a junior and one a sophomore.

2025 Humboldt Sports Softball Player of the Year Finalists

Mariah Bravo

Fortuna, Senior

Bravo capped an exceptional year in sports with an all-league selection and she was arguably the most dangerous and consistent hitter in the entire H-DNL.

Mackenzie Coleman

South Fork, Sophomore

The most impressive young player in this year’s H-DNL, Coleman was named L4 MVP after an outstanding season in the circle, at the plate and on defense.

Carlee Harper

Del Norte, Senior

Last year’s Humboldt Sports Player of the Year, Harper enjoyed another outstanding spring with her influential play behind the plate and on the bases.

Shay Nolan

Del Norte, Senior

Nolan closed out her high school career with a bang, earning Big 5 MVP honors after a stellar year in the pitcher’s circle.

Isabel Sanchez

Fortuna, Junior

Arguably the best pitcher in the H-DNL, Sanchez also enjoyed a big season at the plate and on defense, including pitching a perfect game at McKinleyville.

Khloe Smith

Del Norte, Senior

The best shortstop in the H-DNL, Smith was also a force at the plate on the way to the B5 title and one of the main candidates for conference MVP honors.