When the coronavirus pandemic forced the cancellation of spring sports last year, Michigan softball coach Carol Hutchins was determined not to allow the Michigan Softball Academy to be sidelined.
The academy, now in its 12th year, raises money in partnership with the American Cancer Society for breast cancer awareness and research. The softball program has raised $1 million, adding nearly $100,000 last year when the academy went virtual.
It will be virtual again Thursday night and already $57,000 has been raised — the goal was $50,000 — not counting money made from a live auction that closes Saturday night.