The 1979 Grand Ledge High School softball team etched its name into Comet history with a season that remains one of the program’s proudest achievements. Guided by Head Coach Linda Hill and Assistant Coach Dave Porter, the Comets delivered a near-flawless 20–3 record, capturing the school’s first Regional Championship and advancing all the way to the Class A State Final, where they finished as state runner-up.

The roster was a remarkable blend of talent, teamwork, and tenacity, featuring Mitzie Cody, Kelle Malkewitz, Cheryl Beecham, Anne Perkins, Bonni Kinne, Marina Kokx, Gail Francis, Kari Lawrence, Jackie Alspaugh, Ann Coomes, Theresa Baker, Daniele Woodruff, Cathy Welch, Linda Lyon, Carrie Pardy, Melanie Brace, and Terry Swink. 

At the center of this unforgettable run stood Bonni Kinne, a once-in-a-generation pitcher whose dominance defined the season. A true leader both on and off the field, Kinne’s precision, composure, and competitive fire led the Comets through the toughest moments of their journey. Her brilliance in the circle earned her First Team All-American honors and a scholarship to Western Michigan University, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest athletes in Grand Ledge history.

The Comets’ postseason was a showcase of grit and heart, culminating in an epic state championship battle against Royal Oak. In a tense, extra-inning duel, Grand Ledge fought relentlessly before falling 2–1 on an unearned run in the bottom of the ninth inning — a heartbreaking end to an otherwise storybook season. As Coach Hill reflected, “That was heartbreaking — but a super game.”

Though the final score fell just short, the 1979 Comets had already secured their place in history. Their Regional Championship, 20-win season, and state runner-up finish remain unmatched milestones in Grand Ledge softball. Decades later, their accomplishments continue to inspire new generations of Comets.

In recognition of their extraordinary impact, Coach Linda Hill was inducted into the Grand Ledge Athletics Hall of Fame in 2005, and the 1979 team was formally honored with induction in 2025. Their legacy — built on teamwork, belief, and the indomitable spirit of players like Bonni Kinne — remains woven into the very fabric of Grand Ledge athletics.