FLINT - Competing on varsity as an underclassman can be a bit of an adjustment. There are veteran players who have been there and done that, and now you’re trying to see where you fit in the group. Swartz Creek senior right-hander Avery Ludwig doesn’t concern herself with trying to fit in or being nervous – she’s there to win and be a difference maker. “I think we were missing that fire a little bit on our team,” Swartz Creek softball head coach Gabrielle Deering said. “As coaches, we always talk about having a spark. Bringing her intensity of wanting to win and be so good so badly has definitely elevated the game of other kids.” Ludwig is a gamer who has already claimed her role as the ace of the rotation and one of the top bats in the Dragons’ lineup this season. There were some growing pains early on – like any newcomer would face – but Ludwig has been ready regardless of whatever has been placed in front of her. “Being a freshman, I’ve kind of thrown her right into the deep end,” Deering said. “She’s done a good job. She’s really just handled herself well.” From April 28 to May 4, Ludwig went 14-for-19, hitting .737 and holding an OPS of 2.002. She had nine singles, two doubles, two triples, and a home run while also tallying nine RBIs and five walks. In three games in the circle, Ludwig was 3-0 with a 2.05 ERA, 17 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.294, earning a spot on our Flint-area Athlete of the Week poll. Ludwig (7,149 votes) beat out Montrose soccer standout Miley Harrington (5,551 votes) and Flint Kearsley’s Mia Granados (1,970 votes), who finished second and third, respectively. Ludwig currently leads the Dragons in batting average (.508), OBP (.568), OPS (1.291), SLG (.723), hits (33), and runs scored (19). She has also contributed more innings in the circle than any other Swartz Creek pitcher at 56 ⅓ innings. Ludwig holds a 5-2 record with 60 strikeouts. Her skillset makes her an effective player, but Deering said it’s her drive and determination that separates her from the rest. “She’s a very intense individual,” Deering said. “She’s very competitive. She doesn’t like to lose at a game of rock, paper, scissors. She’s one of those kids, and I love that because I’m kind of the same way.” Ludwig’s velocity sits around mid-50s and has above-average movement on her pitches. When she’s not pitching, Ludwig primarily plays in infield but is versatile enough to play all over the field. With Ludwig already breaking out this season and showing the Flint Metro League what she can do, Deering said her potential is limitless in the next three years. “It’s through the roof, and that’s what makes me excited,” Deering said. “Just seeing her growth over the past few months to where she can be three years from now, I see her being our leader and one of the best players in the league. We have a lot of great athletes in the league, but I’m not afraid to put her up there with them if I’m thinking three years from now.”