Sarah Johnson and Patti Beard Werner inducted into PHS Softball Hall of Fame

On Saturday, April 2^nd, Sarah Johnson and Patti Beard Werner were inducted into the Portland Softball Hall of Fame.

The Portland Softball Hall of Fame was established in 2019 to recognize players, coaches, teams and contributors who represent the foremost in achievement and lasting impact on Portland Softball. Hall of fame inductions are important because they connect the past with the present. They serve to recognize the best of the best and give current athletes and their families a

blueprint for success.

Since 2019, seven individuals and two varsity teams have been honored by the Portland Softball Hall of Fame. Beard and Sarah make up the Hall of Fame class of 2026.

Patti Beard exemplifies excellence, dedication, and leadership in Portland athletics. As a four-year varsity starter at catcher, Patti earned All-Conference honors each season, was All-District for three years, and achieved All-Region and All-State recognition as a junior and senior.

Renowned for her toughness, competitive spirit, and game intelligence, Patti was a dominant defensive force with a gun for an arm, who controlled the field and inspired her teammates. During her career, she threw out 107 runners, including 20 pickoffs at first base during her senior year.

Patti continued her success at the collegiate level, competing in the National Junior College World Series with Lansing Community College and earning All-Conference, All-Region, and All-Tournament honors. She also shared her passion and commitment for softball with student-athletes. Patti gave back as a dedicated volunteer coach for 25 years, mentoring young athletes and strengthening the Portland softball program.

Sarah Johnson was one of the most accomplished athletes in Portland High School softball history. As a four-year varsity starter at third base, Sarah earned All-Conference honors each season, including First Team recognition as a sophomore, junior, and senior. She was voted Outstanding Offensive Player for three years, served as team captain her junior and senior seasons, and was named Team MVP as a senior. She was also selected to the Lansing State Journal Dream Team and was a three-time All-State First Team selection. Sarah had a great arm, an outstanding glove, as well as being a dominant hitter. She achieved a career batting average of .379 and a .473 average during her senior year. She set school records for season home runs and RBIs, as well as career hits, which still stand today.

Sarah continued her success at Alma College, helping lead the Scots to multiple conference championships and four NCAA Tournament appearances.

Photo from left to right: Kelly Grys, Brandee Novara, Sarah Johnson, Patti Beard Werner, Sarah Townsend, and Jack Anderson.  Grys, Novara, Townsend, and Anderson are Hall of Fame members and selection committee representatives.