Annie Steinlage Inducted into Michigan Soccer Hall of Fame

Spring Lake alumna Annie Steinlage has officially joined the Michigan High School Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame—a distinction that adds yet another milestone to her outstanding career.

Steinlage first learned of the honor in a phone call from MIHSSCA Executive Director Matt Boersma. Her first reaction was to share the news with her longtime coach, Jeremy Thelen. “I’ve always admired the legendary players and coaches that Michigan has produced, so being included in that conversation was a huge honor,” she said.

For Steinlage, the recognition is also deeply personal. She transferred into Spring Lake as a freshman and still remembers how quickly the school and community embraced her. “The way the whole Spring Lake community welcomed me was almost surreal,” she said. “Coach Thelen and Coach Warren gave me the kind of support that made me feel free to push myself without fear of failure. I loved my teammates so deeply. That bond will never go away.”

Those relationships and values remain at the heart of her success. “Spring Lake taught me early on that you’re never just representing you. Once I realized the ripple effects of my choices, I started thinking bigger. That focus shift is still something I work on today.”

Reflecting on her journey, Steinlage points to one lesson above all: the power of community. “The support I felt in Spring Lake was a huge contributor to any success I was able to nurture athletically, and I’ve tried to recreate that in every chapter since.”

To today’s Lakers, she offers this advice: “Stay present. Appreciate all of the people and efforts that make it possible for you to play the sport you love. My Spring Lake athletic memories are some of the purest moments in my life.”

We're beyond proud of you, Annie!