2022 NSIC Softball Preseason Coaches' Poll

1/26/2022 10:00:00 AM

AUGUSTANA PICKED IN NSIC SOFTBALL PRESEASON POLL FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE SEASON

BURNSVILLE, Minn. - For the third consecutive season, Augustana University was chosen as the favorite in the NSIC Preseason Softball Coaches’ Poll. This marks the fourth time (2012, 2020 & 2021) that the Vikings have been selected by the coaches to win the league. The Vikings were the unanimous choice as they amassed 225 points and 15 first place votes (coaches cannot rank their own team). Minnesota State was second with 209 points and the other first place vote.

Winona State was third in the poll with 198 points while Minnesota Duluth was fourth with 176 points. The preseason coaches’ poll is based off each coach ranking each team from 15 to 1 with the top team receiving 15 points, second 14, third 13, etc.

The 2022 NSIC Softball season gets underway with non-conference play next month, while the 30-game NSIC schedule is set to begin on Tuesday, March 29.

The 20212 NSIC Softball Tournament will consist of the top ten teams in the NSIC final standings competing in a double elimination format on May 5-7 at the RYFSA Complex in Rochester, Minnesota.

#30 Mary Pardo (CF, Sr., R/R, Andover, Minn. / Blaine HS) - Augustana University

Ranked third in the nation in 2021 with 20 home runs
Ranked 16th in NCAA Division II with five triples
Named a consensus All-American earning Second Team honors from the D2CCA and Third Team honors from the NFCA
Earned First Team All-NSIC honors while also earning a spot on the NSIC All-Tournament Team
Batted .330 with 60 hits, 28 of which went from extra bases

Mary returns as one of the nation's leading power hitters, having been third in the country in home runs last year. She has had a great career at Augustana, having been named an All-American. Mary has elite hand/eye coordination and is incredibly athletic, being a five tool player. She works very hard and is one of the kindest hearted people you can come across which will serve her well as she enters the nursing field. Mary always sees the positive in both situations and people and is the eternal optimist who always has a smile and kind word for everyone.

Head Coach Gretta Melsted

#17 Mackenzie Ward (RHP, Sr., Clive, Iowa / Valley West Des Moines HS) - Minnesota State University, Mankato

Boasted a 24-5 record as she maintained a 0.90 ERA last season
Threw 20 complete games and 10 shutouts, while striking out 316 batters
Held opposing hitters to a .157 batting average
Named the NSIC Pitcher of the Week five times and the NSIC Pitcher of the Year in 2021
Claimed NFCA and D2CCA All-American First Team honors in 2021

Attitude and discipline are integral parts to the success of a student-athlete and Mackenzie personifies greatness in both categories. She makes the most of her abilities and does not waste time waiting for things to happen in her life--she makes them happen. Her accomplishments as a student-athlete and young woman provide an example of her abilities and potential for future accomplishments whether that is on the diamond or in the classroom as student or in the classroom as an Art teacher. As a student-athlete, Mackenzie is a competitor with a tireless work ethic, who became a role model for her current and future student-athletes in our program. Mackenzie's role on the team as a pitcher is a very critical role. As a pitcher you must be mentally tough in order to successfully handle the pressures involved with being on the mound with base loaded, no outs, the opposing team's best three hitters up and the game on the line. Mackenzie has matured into this type of pitcher with her physical abilities and mental toughness.

Head Coach Lori Meyer

Season Previews & Players to Watch

AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY

The Augustana softball team is once again entering a season with high expectations losing just one player from the NSIC Championship and Central Region Championship team of 2021. That squad advanced to the Final 8 of the NCAA Tournament and earned a final national ranking of No. 3 from the NFCA after spending half of the season at No. 1. The only loss from that roster is First Team All-America selection Kendall Cornick. That leaves three NFCA All-Americans coming back for 2022 in second team honoree Ashley Mickschl and third team selections Mary Pardo and Torri Chute.

Mickschl is a three-time All-America selection and has won 89 games over her storied career at Augustana. In 2021, she led the nation with 27 wins and ranked sixth with a WHIP of 0.84. She tossed a perfect game on April 24 in a 9-0 Viking victory. Pardo, the NSIC Preseason Player of the Year, simply ranked third in the nation with 20 home runs and 16th in DII with five triples. 28 of her 60 hits went for extra bases. She also stole 28 bases, a mark that ranked 13th in the nation. Chute was the NSIC Freshman of the Year and nearly flew under the radar while ranking ninth in NCAA Division II in total hits (71) and seventh nationally with 18 doubles.

In addition, Augustana returns four other postseason honorees in All-NSIC selections of Amber Elliott, Abby Lien, Abbie Lund and Amanda Dickmeyer.

Augustana opens the 2022 season at Texas A&M – Commerce before tangling with six different opponents at the Arkansas Tech Winter Invite. After playing at the Spring Games in Winter Haven, Florida, and the Missouri Western Tournament in mid-March, the Vikings will make their home debut on March 29 against Wayne State. Augustana enters 2022 with the nation’s longest home winning streak at 23 games.

We return all but one player to this year's squad. Although we lost Kendall Cornick, the 2021 NCAA Woman of the Year, to medical school, we return an incredible amount of experience, three All-Americans, and a group that ended up third in the country last year. This is a team that is highly motivated and very driven. The best part about this team is not their athletic skill, talent, or accomplishments but who they are as human beings. They are high character people that will go on to make a difference in the careers of their choice. They are a joy to be around everyday! As their head coach, I couldn't be more proud of who they are as individuals and who they are as a team!

Head Coach Gretta Melsted

#30 Mary Pardo (CF, Sr., R/R, Andover, Minn. / Blaine HS)

Ranked third in the nation in 2021 with 20 home runs
Ranked 16th in NCAA Division II with five triples
Named a consensus All-American earning Second Team honors from the D2CCA and Third Team honors from the NFCA
Earned First Team All-NSIC honors while also earning a spot on the NSIC All-Tournament Team
Batted .330 with 60 hits, 28 of which went from extra bases

Mary returns as one of the nation's leading power hitters, having been third in the country in home runs last year. She has had a great career at Augustana, having been named an All-American. Mary has elite hand/eye coordination and is incredibly athletic, being a five tool player. She works very hard and is one of the kindest hearted people you can come across which will serve her well as she enters the nursing field. Mary always sees the positive in both situations and people and is the eternal optimist who always has a smile and kind word for everyone.

Head Coach Gretta Melsted

#26 Ashley Mickschl (RHP, Gr., Woodbury, Minn. / Woodbury HS) - Augustana University

Helped Augustana earn the NSIC Championship, NCAA Central Region Championship and a No. 1 national ranking for more than half the season
Second Team NFCA All-America selection
Third Team D2CCA All-America Selection
NFCA and D2CCA First Team All-Region honoree
2021 NSIC Preseason Pitcher of the Year
First Team All-NSIC selection
Started 32 of 43 games played, with 27 wins with a 1.83 ERA and 141 strikeouts over 191 innings
Led the NSIC and ranked third in the nation with 24 complete games

Ashley has had a storied career at Augustana. She is back for her fifth year as a graduate student and has a list of accomplishments to her name during her time at Augustana. From being a three-time All-American to the MVP at the 2019 NCAA DII National Tournament, she has played an integral part in our team's success over her entire career. Besides being an accomplished athlete she is great student. She has been using her Spanish Immersion background and will move on next year to teaching ESL. She has been a member of our team leadership circle for years. She is a top notch athlete, student, and person. She's the rock, our cornerstone and foundation of our team!

Head Coach Gretta Melsted

BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY

The Bemidji State University softball team will be under new leadership for the 2022 season after Jordan Petersen was named head coach of the program on June 25. Petersen begins her first year of head coaching duties after four seasons as an assistant at MSU-Moorhead and Northern State. The Beavers return 13 letterwinners from a 2021 season where the Beavers went 11-31 and 13th in the NSIC with a 7-21 conference record. Bemidji State adds seven newcomers to the 2022 roster for a total of 20 players. Junior Emmarie Yeager returns to the team after leading the Beavers with a .286 batting average and totaled a .417 slugging percentage and .326 on-base percentage. Bemidji State returns three of its four members of its pitching staff from last season in Kyla Damerow, Stella Dolan and Kaidron McClafferty. Damerow leads the returners with 63 innings pitched last season while McClafferty follows with 51 innings pitched and Dolan with 50.1 innings. Bemidji State opens the 2022 season at the Husky Dome Invite Feb. 11-13 and will begin NSIC play March 29 at Minnesota Crookston.

I am excited about this year's team. They are an amazing group who work hard and have already started to change the culture of Bemidji softball into something great. I love their coachability and how they take care of one another both on and off the field.

Head Coach Jordan Petersen

#2 Elaina Christiansen (OF, Sr., R/R, Brainerd, Minn. / Brainerd HS)

Hit .221 with a .326 slugging percentage and .288 on-base percentage last season
In three seasons with the Beavers she has totaled a career batting average of .298, slugging percentage of .481 and .369 on-base percentage
Is eighth all-time at BSU with 12 career home runs and fourth all-time with 24 stolen bases

Elaina is a dominate player and tremendous leader in our program. Her attitude, work ethic, and passion emulate the culture of our program. In addition to her tremendous softball skills, she also excels in the classroom. I am excited to see what Elaina will accomplish this year.

Head Coach Jordan Petersen

#9 Kaidron McClafferty (RHP, Sr., Butte, Mont. / Butte HS)

In 51 innings, totaled a 4.53 ERA with three complete games and 21 strikeouts
In three seasons, she has totaled a 6-18 career record with a 4.45 career era and 101 strikeouts

Kaid is a strong, independent individual that drives herself from within to get better. She is a leader among the pitching staff and wants the whole staff to succeed and will help her fellow pitchers in any way possible. Kaid has a lot of talent and I am thrilled to see it in action.

Head Coach Jordan Petersen

CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY, ST. PAUL

With the departure of pitcher Kali Kaestner and outfielder Kris McIntyre, the Golden Bears look to fill the gaps created by the seniors with Bryanna Olson, a sophomore pitcher/ outfielder, and sophomore infielder/ catcher Grace Beseman. Olson has appeared in 30 games for the Bears, making 16 starts and has recorded 113 strikeouts in that time while Beseman has experience with the CSP squad as she played in all 44 games in 2021 where she recorded 52 hits, including 12 doubles and 11 home runs in 141 at bats. Other key returners for the Golden Bears include sophomore outfielder Clara Heislen (.310 AVG, 5 HR, 18 RBI), senior catcher Amanda Parsons (.310 AVG, 5 HR, 24 RBI), and senior infielder Cam Veenbaas (.255 AVG, 2 HR, 6 RBI). Some key newcomers include freshmen infielder Sydney Pelzer, left handed pitcher Erica McCullough, and outfielder Avery Johnson.

We believe our defense will be our strength, we'll need to be consistent in the field with a fairly inexperienced but talented pitching staff. We look to keep improving offensively from last season and maximize our baserunning skills to keep pressure on our opponents.

Head Coach Bob Bartel

#20 Grace Beseman (IF/C, So., R/R, Woodbury, Minn. / Woodbury HS)

2021 All-NSIC First Team player
Played in all 44 games for the Bears in 2021
Recorded 52 hits, including 12 doubles and 11 home runs in 141 at bats

Grace has all the tools a coach looks for, she led our team in 2021 in most every offensive category and is rock solid at 3rd base. Grace was a 2021 All-NSIC 1st team player.

Head Coach Bob Bartel

#9 Bryanna Olson (P/OF, So., R/R, Cottage Grove, Minn. / Park HS)

Has appeared in 30 games for the Golden Bears
Has made 16 starts and has recorded 113 strikeouts
Had 3.44 ERA over 83.1 innings pitched with 1.50 WHIP

We look for Bryanna to lead our pitching staff this spring. Bryanna has the movement and velocity on her pitches that can lead to a lot of pitches missing opponents bats. She now has one year of pitching experience against the NSIC which we believe will help her development as she enters her third year.

Head Coach Bob Bartel

UNIVERSITY OF MARY

The University of Mary softball program is excited to begin the 2022 season under first-year head coach Dre Frantz. Frantz returns to the program as one of the most decorated scholar-athletes in the history of UMary softball. The former All-American was the assistant coach at Bismarck State College last year and was elevated to co-head coach of the Mystics following the season.

The Marauders bring in a good mix of returners and new faces. Eryn De Jonge returns after leading the team in batting average (.296). Kaylee Kannegiesser looks to improve upon her breakout season after hitting for a .274 average while leading the team in RBIs (18). Rachael Laestch returns as a fifth-year senior after leading the team in slugging percentage (.451) while hitting five home runs.

UMary brings in six new freshmen to Marauders softball program. Natasha Stubbs, Erin Murphy, Sariah Perez, Ariana Retuta and Sarah Martin will look to bring an immediate impact to the UMary lineup. Freshman Hannah Chambers and sophomore transfer Emari Evans will look to bring a new dynamic to the Marauders pitching staff.

Our team is ready to get back on the field. With changes to both the roster and staff the players have stuck together and are eager perform this season. This teams unwavering response to adversity moves to their competition in the conference.

Head Coach Dre Frantz

#22 Kaylee Kannegiesser (IF, Jr., R/R, Billings, Mont. / Skyview HS)

Led the team last season with 18 RBIs
Had a .688 OPS while hitting for a .278 batting average.
Had a career high 32 hits last season with two home runs

Kaylee comes back to us to play the middles. Her command on the field and approach as a scholar athlete displays a great level of leadership. She is versatile and handles whatever is thrown her way.

Head Coach Dre Frantz

#23 Emari Evans (RHP, So., Buckeye, Ariz. / Shadow Ridge HS)

Transferred to UMary from Howard University
Competed Shadow Ridge High School where she earned 2019 5A All-Region First Team
Posted a 2.61 ERA during her senior year of high school

We are thrilled to have transfer Pitcher Emari Evans. Emari is eager to put in innings and move the ball around. She is supportive of her teammates and puts in the work needed to succeed.

Head Coach Dre Frantz

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA CROOKSTON

Minnesota Crookston opens up a new era of Golden Eagle softball this season. Nick Weinmeister is in his first season at the helm of the Golden Eagles after taking over for Travis Owen. The Golden Eagles have a number of quality bats this season, including Dana Zarn and Jordan Peterson. Zarn led the team hitting .325 and was tied for second on the team with three home runs. Peterson was the only other Golden Eagle to hit above .300 last season, finishing the season with a .302 batting average. The Golden Eagles will be young, but Alina Avalos and Shaelyn Grant are both expected to make giant leaps and help out an offense that could be solid this season. Emerson Thompson is a freshman that should see the field early on in her career as well. Twin sisters Leah and Hannah Macias are also back and are in the mix in the outfield as seniors this season. In the circle, the Golden Eagles will be new. Only Kamryn Frisk returns for the pitching staff. Freshman Evie Stuck and sophomore transfer Thayda Houser will more than likely be the 1-2 punch for the Golden Eagles in the circle. Pitching will go a long way to determine the success of the Golden Eagles.

This team is eager to get started and has shown me throughout the offseason that winning is important to them. We have a very unselfish team and they are understanding that it will take them all at some point throughout our season to help us win. With the high character players that I have, the sky is limit for this team and the season is almost upon us to show what we can do.

Head Coach Nick Weinmeister

#16 Dana Zarn (IF, Jr., R/R, Winnipeg, Man. / J.H. Bruns Collegiate)

Led the team in hitting a season ago
Finished with 41 hits, leading the Golden Eagles
Had nine multi-hit performances a season ago, including a career-high three against SCSU
Started the season last year with a hit in 13 of her first 15 starts
Had a fielding percentage of .864 last season

Dana is the type of player that shows up day in and day out ready to work hard and get better. She is not a vocal leader, but definitely leads by example on our team. Dana's best asset is her consistency and she will show the teams we compete against why she is deserving of this accolade.

Head Coach Nick Weinmeister

#8 Evie Stuck (RHP, Fr., Papillion, Neb. / Papillion La Vista HS)

One of six freshmen on this year’s roster
Expected to be the number one starter this season
One of three Nebraska natives on the Golden Eagles

Evie is only a freshman, but she has come in this season and proven she is going to be a winner. She works hard, puts the team first, and does whatever is asked of her. A lot of our success this year will be dependent on freshmen stepping up and Evie is at the forefront of that list.

Head Coach Nick Weinmeister

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DULUTH

The Bulldogs enter 2022 looking to build off a positive 2021 campaign, which saw UMD post a 32-15 overall record, while going 21-9 in NSIC play. With former head coach Jen Walter making the jump to St. Thomas (Division 1), Lynn Anderson will look to keep UMD on the upswing. The Bulldogs will return a full cast of veterans, including 5th-year Jordyn Thomas, and seniors Emma Frost and Sam Pederson. Thomas, a native of Hermantown, Minn. has been with the Bulldogs since 2018. During the 2021 campaign, Thomas posted a team-high 11 homeruns, while also notching 44 RBIs and a batting average of .369 in 47 games with the Bulldogs. Thomas’s performance on the season was good enough for NSIC All-Conference First Team and NFCA DII Central Region Second Team honors. If Minnesota Duluth wants to continue is winning tradition in the NSIC North, Thomas’s veteran leadership must be a factor. Also returning for the Bulldogs is starting pitcher Sam Pederson. The senior started 19 games for UMD a season ago and tallied a 12-5 record in 119.1 innings pitched. The Bulldogs will begin their season with three tournaments in Southern Minnesota, Kansas, and Florida. The early road games will provide a unique challenge and learning opportunity for the Bulldogs. UMD will return home and play its first home game on Tuesday, March 29 in Duluth. Minnesota Duluth has the talent and leadership to surprise many in the NSIC this season.

Our Bulldogs are hungry, driven, bought in - it’s exciting to be a part of that as a new coach. The vision we have here is to clear a path for our athletes to pursue their greatest potential and be a part of something bigger than themselves, whether that’s in the classroom, community, or on the field. There are big goals for these players and our staff is excited to take them to that level. We’re in this together. We’re focusing on the process, staying neutral, and staying consistent with our language and behaviors. We do those things and we’ll create opportunities for success this year.

Head Coach Lynn Anderson

#12 Jordyn Thomas (1B, Sr, L/L, Hermantown, Minn. / Hermantown HS)

Started all 47 games in 2021
NSIC All-Conference First Team and NFCA DII Central Region Second Team last season
42 career homeruns (Team-high 11 in 2021)
Career batting average of .340

Jordyn personifies commitment to the classroom, community and competition field. She’s a high academic athlete named to the NSIC All-Academic Team multiple times, plus makes valuable contributions as Vice President for both our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) as well as our Green Bandana Project - a student athlete-led mental health awareness campaign. Her passion for the game of softball, for her teammates and for UMD is unmatched. She has high standards for herself and continues the tradition of high-caliber athletes that have come through UMD. Jordyn is one of the best underrated players in our conference right now and we’re excited to see her play in the moment this year and finish off and amazing career here.

Head Coach Lynn Anderson

#20 Sam Pederson (RHP, Sr., North Branch, Minn. / North Branch HS)

Career record of 29-18
Went 12-5 last season in 19 starts for the Bulldogs
Impressive 2.05 ERA in 2021 (2.66 career ERA)
Recorded her first career no-hitter on April 6, 2021, against Minnesota Crookston.
Opponents career batting average of just .249

Physical skills are easy to see on paper, but the mental part of the game is so important and yet something we can’t always see. Sam has that mindset that every coach hopes for in a player. As a pitcher handling the ball every pitch, Sam’s mindset is incredible. She doesn’t allow bad moments to get her down, rather, it fuels her. That’s such a difficult thing to do especially as a pitcher but she does it. Never complacent; always willing to do more. And it’s not more for herself – it’s for her teammates and improving her skills for the people around her. That’s selflessness is special. She's an impactful player for us.

Head Coach Lynn Anderson

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY, MANKATO

Minnesota State will see 13 letterwinners return for the Mavericks, including six starters in the field and two starting pitchers. In 2021, the Mavericks finished their season with a 40-10 record, including a 23-5 NSIC record as they finished second in the conference standings. MSU would go on to win the NSIC Tournament before making their 17th appearance in the NCAA Tournament, and 16th under head coach Lori Meyer. Both of MSU’s primary starting pitchers return from last season’s team, including senior Mackenzie Ward and McKayla Armbruster. Ward was named the NSIC Pitcher of the Year last season and garnered NFCA and D2CCA All-American honors last year as she finished with a 24-5 record to go along with a 0.90 ERA and 316 strikeouts. Armbruster went 14-4 to go along with a 2.20 ERA and 79 strikeouts. The Mavericks will also see senior Torey Richards, sophomore Sydney Nielsen, sophomore Madi Newman, senior Hailey Forshee, sophomore Kylie Sullivan and sophomore Sydney Nelson return, all of whom started in at least 49 of MSU’s 50 games in 2021. Richards led the Mavericks with a .400 batting average and 64 hits last season, while Nielsen posted a team-leading 10 home runs and 43 RBI. Newman drove in 32 runs and stole 14 bases, while Nelson tallied five home runs. Forshee tallied 38 hits as well, while Sullivan scored 27 runs.

The core leadership that we return in our three fifth year seniors, Hailey Forshee, Torey Richards, and Mackenzie Ward. These three young women have continued to develop into mature leaders since there freshman year in our program which has allowed them to have a direct impact on the success of our program during that time. We also have a core nucleus of student-athletes returning with valuable experience from last year's team that made it to the region final. These factors will continue to allow us to build upon our past success.

Head Coach Lori Meyer

#18 Torey Richards (SS, Sr., L/R, Mankato, Minn. / Mankato East HS)

Led the team with a .400 batting average and 64 hits during the 2021 season
Was named to the All-NSIC Second Team in 2021
Recorded at least two hits in 21 games during the 2021 season
Tied for third in runs scored with 30 last season
Owned a team-leading .443 on-base% last season

Torey exemplifies the term ""student-athlete"" as this is evidenced by the fact that she is double majoring in Exercise Science and Psychology and is consistently on the Dean's List, plus works 15-20 hours a week for University Printing Services while being a 4 year starter. Torey has already been accepted into graduate school for Physical Therapy. The above statement exemplifies the meaning of student-athlete at the NCAA Division II level and Torey Richards has successfully demonstrated that meaning. Torey plays a very critical role on our team as our shortstop which is a major leadership position on our team. As she must take control of our infield and keep the defense calm and collected in game situations whether it is during a lopsided win, lopsided loss or a pressure packed game on the line. This has allowed for Torey to mature into a leader over the past four years and earn the respect of her teammates and coaches. Torey is a natural leader as she is willing to challenge her teammates as well as support them whether it is in the classroom or on the diamond. Torey Richards is the type of person that makes everyone around her a better person.

Head Coach Lori Meyer

#17 Mackenzie Ward (RHP, Sr., Clive, Iowa / Valley HS)

Boasted a 24-5 record as she maintained a 0.90 ERA last season
Threw 20 complete games and 10 shutouts, while striking out 316 batters
Held opposing hitters to a .157 batting average
Named the NSIC Pitcher of the Week five times and the NSIC Pitcher of the Year in 2021
Claimed NFCA and D2CCA All-American First Team honors in 2021

Attitude and discipline are integral parts to the success of a student-athlete and Mackenzie personifies greatness in both categories. She makes the most of her abilities and does not waste time waiting for things to happen in her life--she makes them happen. Her accomplishments as a student-athlete and young woman provide an example of her abilities and potential for future accomplishments whether that is on the diamond or in the classroom as student or in the classroom as an Art teacher. As a student-athlete, Mackenzie is a competitor with a tireless work ethic, who became a role model for her current and future student-athletes in our program. Mackenzie's role on the team as a pitcher is a very critical role. As a pitcher you must be mentally tough in order to successfully handle the pressures involved with being on the mound with base loaded, no outs, the opposing team's best three hitters up and the game on the line. Mackenzie has matured into this type of pitcher with her physical abilities and mental toughness.

Head Coach Lori Meyer

MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY MOORHEAD

MSUM returns two outfield starters from last year’s 9-34 team and will have many new faces in the lineup under the direction of first-year Head Coach Mike Armitage. Senior Shay Weber has started 96 games in the outfield the past three years. She led the team in runs scored (18), stolen bases (eight) and sacrifice hits (eight). Senior Jordey Smith returns as an outfield starter, she hit .268 a year ago despite missing a handful of games with injury. Junior utility Kiley Washnieski started 17 games a year ago and had a triple. The Dragons’ top two pitchers return from a year ago, as senior Anna Lang is back after pitching a team-best 122 innings and recording 10 complete games. She had 50 strikeouts. She has 49 starts over the past three seasons. Sophomore pitcher Reece Dahl led the Dragons with two shutouts and five wins last season, and also led with 53 strikeouts

I believe our veteran players are enjoying the game again. They are leading our program to better days ahead. Because they are willing to adjust and learn, it is paving the way for our younger players to become the best version of them they can be. I believe the culture is changing around our softball program and for that I am very proud of our team and what they are trying to become.

Head Coach Mike Armitage

#1 Shay Weber (OF, Sr., R/R, West Fargo, N.D. / Fargo Sheyenne HS)

Entering her fourth year as a starting outfielder
Second on team with .276 average in 2021
Led team in stolen bases (8) and sacrifice hits
Has started 96 games over past three seasons

Shay is an excellent leader. She is the anchor in our outfield. Shay has the ability to run down balls in the gap and is capable of throwing out runners trying to take extra bases. Most importantly she has the ability to inspire her teammates to be the best player at their position they can be. I wish I had Shay for her entire college career, but I will instead be thankful for the opportunity to coach her for one.

Head Coach Mike Armitage

#12 Anna Lang (RHP, Sr., New Berlin, Wis. / New Berlin Eisenhower HS)

Has started 49 games on the mound over past three seasons
Led team with 10 complete games a year ago
Led team with 122.0 innings pitched
Allowed just 59 walks in 122 innings

Anna enters this season with a ton of experience on the mount for MSUM. She will be a pitcher that we depend on to help put our team in situations to be successful. She has been very receptive of minor adjustments in her deliver to help with her consistency. She is also an excellent leader for our young pitchers. Much like Shay I would love to have coached her all four years, but will appreciate the short time I have with her.

Head Coach Mike Armitage

MINOT STATE UNIVERSITY

Minot State is led by third-year coach Nat Wagner, who in his first two seasons - including the COVID shortened spring 2020 season - has compiled a 32-28 record with the Beavers. Under Wagner's guidance, the Beavers have proven to be an aggressive team on the base paths as the 2020 team stole 71 bases in 16 games, and last season Minot State led the nation with 138 total stolen bases, and was No. 2 in the nation in stolen bases per game (3.14). The Beavers finished eighth in the NSIC in 2020 and compiled a 22-22 overall record after falling twice in the NSIC Tournament. Along with leading the NSIC and nation in stolen bases, the Minot State pitching staff was tough on opponents as they were second in the NSIC in home runs allowed, giving up just 13 longballs in 2021. Jamie Odlum returns as the Beavers offensive leader after she hit .423 last spring, which was third-best in the NSIC. Odlum is one of five top position players who returns for Minot State. The Beavers return three of their four top pitchers, including Trinity Valentine who was sixth in the NSIC in total wins with 13.

This year’s team shows tremendous chemistry, work ethic, and athleticism. With a great off-season under our belt, this year’s squad promises to complement exciting team speed with added power and intriguing pitching depth. This team features several seniors who have come of age in this program, redefining our culture, and forging a lasting legacy of selfless, passionate commitment to team success. We are excited to see this leadership manifest itself in a competitive, exciting brand of Beaver softball.

Head Coach Nat Wagner

#10 Jamie Odlum (1B, Sr., L/R, Morden, Man. / Morden Collegiate)

A 2nd Team All-NSIC selection in 2021
Third in the NSIC in batting average in 2021 hitting .423, and second in the NSIC in on-base percentage at .507
Led the Beavers with 55 hits and 40 runs scored in 2021
Named to the NSIC All-Academic Team in 2021
Has a career .366 batting average in 3 seasons

Jamie has a great presence at the plate and leads our offense with an intelligent and gritty approach to her at bats. She has worked diligently to polish her defensive game, and she runs bases with an aggressive, opportunistic eye to score. Above all, Jamie exudes a deep and abiding love of softball – every part of it. A class act on and off the field, Jamie is fierce competitor who plays with joy and passion, always energizing her teammates.

Head Coach Nat Wagner

#20 Trinity Valentine (RHP, Sr., Las Vegas, Nev. / Durango HS)

Was sixth in the NSIC in wins in 2021 with 13, and 10th in the NSIC in strikeouts with 127
Led the Beaver pitching staff in her debut season at Minot State in ERA (4.05), in wins (13), saves (1), in complete games (10), innings pitched (135 2/3), and strikeouts (127)
Pitched almost half of the innings for the Beavers in 2021, throwing 135 2/3 of the teams 276 1/3
Compiled a 22-12 record with 159 strikeouts in two seasons pitching at Central Arizona College prior to Minot State

A consummate power pitcher, Trinity combines explosive velocity and a calm demeanor, marking her as a formidable arm and leader for our staff. She has worked hard this fall to augment her power and looks to take an important step forward with added control and deception. An affable and fun-loving teammate, Trinity hopes to cap her collegiate career with a great team experience.

Head Coach Nat Wagner

NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY

The Northern State University softball team opens the 2022 season under the direction of first year head coach Ashley Schilling and will christen the brand new Koehler Hall of Fame Field. The Wolves went 23-20 overall in 2021 and 13-13 in the NSIC, qualifying for the league tournament. Northern went 1-2 from the NSIC tournament with a win over Concordia-St. Paul in the losers bracket. The 2022 season brings a blank slate for the NSU program after a coaching change and graduating a large senior class. The Wolves return four starting position players and one starting pitcher from a season ago, welcoming six fresh faces. Reagan Elrod and Avarie Eagle were tabbed as the team’s pitcher and player to watch for the 2022 season and will suit up for the first time in their Northern State careers. NSU opens the year at the West Texas A&M Tournament February 18-20 and will kick off the NSIC season at home on March 29th versus MSU Moorhead.

I am excited for this team's power and versatility offensively this season. The fall gave us a glimpse into the type of team we can be and how we can compete to our strengths. Our pitching staff compliments each other in their approaches and are looking forward to going head-to-head against the hitters this league has to offer. Additionally, our field is on campus for the first time this season and is a piece that excites the team, myself, and our Aberdeen community; It is a point of pride!

Head Coach Ashley Schilling

#17 Avarie Eagle (IF, Fr., R/R, Muscatine, Iowa / Muscatine HS)

Will make her first appearance as a true freshman for the Wolves in 2022
As a senior, Eagle hit .300 with a .909 fielding percentage
Played for the Iowa Premier Softball Club

Avarie brings a new competitive drive to our infield. Eagle’s bat is one that I am excited to see against the talented pitchers we will be facing in the conference. She is a player to watch in her calm confidence, her consistency, and her ability to positively impact our line-up with her presence in the box.

Head Coach Ashley Schilling

#1 Reagan Elrod (RHP, So., Sioux Falls, S.D. / Lincoln HS)

Will make her first appearance for the Wolves in 2021 after the COVID year and an injury
Tallied a 1.65 ERA as a prep
Started for two seasons at Lincoln High School and was a member of the Iowa Premier Club program

Reagan has been patient with the process of returning to play this spring and this is her time to take the mound. I am looking forward to see her do what she does best in her mixing of pitches. She wants what is best for the team and I think you will be able to see that in how the defense plays behind her.

Head Coach Ashley Schilling

UNIVERSITY OF SIOUX FALLS

The University of Sioux Falls Softball team will look to make another run at the NSIC Tournament this season after being picked 9th in the NSIC Preseason Coaches’ Poll. The Cougars are coming off a 23-24 overall record and a 15-14 conference record during the 2021 campaign. USF will be led by two players to watch: Kaitlyn Van Der Zwaag and Damaris Cuevas, both of whom return as key pieces of last year’s team that advanced to the NSIC Tournament.

Van Der Zwaag, a first-team All-NSIC performer from Hull, Iowa, was a two-way standout for USF. On the mound, she recorded a 13-9 record with 122 strikeouts and 10 complete games. As a position player, she had 33 assists and 136 putouts while also contributing at the plate with a .258 batting average, .435 slugging, and .399 OBP, including 6 HRs, 33 RBI.

Cuevas, a catcher from Omaha, NE will help lead the Cougars with her bat and from behind the plate. Last season she posted a .420 batting average, .563 slugging, and .455 OBP, while compiling 47 hits, 33 RBI, 12 assists, 152 putouts, with a 1.000 fielding percentage.

In the outfield, USF returns senior speedster Kylan Straight (.311 batting average, 22 runs, 47 hits, .350 OBP, 6 doubles, 10 steals, .972 fielding percentage) among others who will step into key roles for the Cougars going into the 2022 season, who saw six seniors graduate after the 2021 season. On the mound, USF also returns Hanna Cress who was 10-13 with a 3.07 earned run average with 22 starts and 12 complete games. Pitcher/infielder Kennedy Thomas returns with a .291 average and as a key member of the pitching stat after seven appearances and a 3.34 earned run average.

USF opens the season with four games in St. Cloud, Minnesota as they’ll face off against Northwestern College (IA), SMSU, Bemidji St., and SCSU in the St. Cloud Dome Tournament on February 11th and 12th. The Cougars start conference play on the road against SMSU on March 29th with their first home game coming on April 6th against Concordia St. Paul.

Our team mixes returning experience with newcomer freshness and we are excited to see how that meshes together this spring. These young women have worked their tails off during the offseason in the weight room and on the field and it has been fun to watch them work. I am excited for the opportunity these young women are afforded with another season to go out and compete together representing USF and we are all excited to see what happens when the ball is pitched!

Head Coach Shannon Pivovar

#23 Damaris Cuevas (C, So/. L/R, Omaha, Neb. / Millard South HS)

Hit a team-best .420 (5th in the NSIC) in 42 appearances, 15 runs scored, 47 hits, 22 RBI, and 1.000 fielding percentage
The .420 batting average ranks fourth all-time in the DII era for USF
Recorded a 10-game hitting streak in her 1st season, 13 multi-hit games
Named to NSIC All Conference Second Team as a true freshman

Damaris is a kid who lives and breathes the game of softball. She is constantly working to improve her game, physically and mentally, while pushing her teammates to do the same. She keeps our team on their toes with her personality - something that makes our team who we are! As a offensive leader last season, she will bring experience at the plate and behind the dish for the squad this spring.

Head Coach Shannon Pivovar

#44 Kaitlyn Van Der Zwaag (RHP, Jr., Hull, Iowa / Boyden-Hull HS)

Hit .258 in 47 starts with six home runs, 33 RBI, .435 slugging and .399 OBP with 54 total bases in 2021
Named First Team All-NSIC in 2021
Finished with a 13-9 record and a 3.30 earned run average in 30 appearances with 22 starts and 10 complete games (including five-inning no hitter)
Has accumulated a .358 career batting average with 56 hits, 46 RBI and 17 extra base hits
In 34 career starts on the mound, has 19-17 record with 263 putouts, 59 assists, 13 complete games, with 196 strikeouts

Kait is the kind of leader that every program wants to have. She works hard in silence, but pushes her teammates on the field, in the weight room, and in the community to do things the right way. Her experience on the softball field is huge for our team that mixes a little bit of returners with a good handful of newcomers. Excited to see her competitive fire shine on the field this spring.

Head Coach Shannon Pivovar

SOUTHWEST MINNESOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

The 2022 Mustangs softball team mixes a strong group of veterans and newcomers, attempting build off a 2021 season that saw the programs first winning record in conference play since 2011, finishing 27-20 overall and 17-13 in NSIC action. The team is one of the youngest in the conference, with just one senior and two juniors mixed in with nine sophomores and seven freshmen.

The SMSU offense returns four starters, including an all-NSIC second teamer in senior Bailey Johnson. Johnson hit .344 with a team-high .441 on-base percentage and 19 walks while adding 16 doubles, five home runs, 28 RBI and a 1.004 OPS. Sophomore infielder Jillian Noel returns after a breakout first full season, hitting .311 with 14 doubles and 27 RBI. Junior Lileya Kebos also returns after hitting .303 and leading the team with five triples and eight stolen bases a season ago. Sophomore Molly Bull will lead the team behind the plate after starting 30 games and hitting .253 a season ago.

Junior Shelby Bloemendaal and sophomore Allison Christians will lead the way for the Mustangs in the circle, bringing experience and prior success. Bloemendaal has led the staff in innings pitched in each of the last two seasons, finishing with 124 2/3 last year while going 9-8 with a 3.87 ERA, adding 11 complete games and 69 strikeouts in 23 appearances. Christians is back after appearing in 21 games last season, striking out 58 hitters in 58 1/3 innings of work and finishing with a 3.48 ERA.

We lost a talented senior class but are excited about our returners and added some great newcomers. We will be young but hope to be competitive and in every game.

Head Coach Bailey Bouman

#24 Bailey Johnson (LF, Sr., L/R, Mount Pleasant, Iowa / Mount Pleasant HS)

2021 All-NSIC Second Team & 2019 All-NSIC First Team
Two-time Academic All-NSIC (2020, 2021)
.344 average and a team-high .441 on-base percentage last season
16 doubles, five home runs, 28 RBI and a 1.004 OPS

We are excited to have Bailey back for her fifth year. Over the last five years she has really grown on and off the field and encompasses what it means to be a Mustang. She has shown great leadership to our very young team.

Head Coach Bailey Bouman

#11 Shelby Bloemendaal (RHP, Jr., Pipestone, Minn. / Pipestone Area HS)

124 2/3 innings pitched last season
9-8 record with a 3.87 ERA
Team-high 11 complete games

Shelby showed great growth through her first season of NSIC play, she brings a competitive edge in the circle and has been a great leader for our pitching staff. Not only is she a hard working athlete but she shows what it means to be a student athlete by excelling in the classroom as well.

Head Coach Bailey Bouman

ST. CLOUD STATE UNIVERSITY

The St. Cloud State University softball team has established itself as one of the top-6 teams in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) the last several years. That shouldn’t change in 2022, as the team is projected to finish in the conference standings. The Huskies return the bulk of their starting lineup from 2021, including All-Conference honorees Brooke Bowlin (Chaska, Minn. / Holy Family), Raven Vanden Langenberg (Seymour, Wis. / Seymour), Jasmin Estrada (Litchfield, Minn. / Litchfield) and Holly Weinberger (Waconia, Minn. / Waconia), while their top two pitchers Kylie Thomsen (Elk Grove Village, Ill. / Elk Grove Village) and Trinity Junker (Lindstrom, Minn. / Chisago Lakes) return for another season in the circle. A slew of new faces join St. Cloud State in 2022 as well, including head coach Mitch Roberts. Roberts joins the Huskies after an impressive stints as the pitching coach with multiple Division I programs, including Washington, California-Berkley, Tulsa and Ball State.

St. Cloud softball is returning a core group of players including Holly Weinberger, Sydney Trees, Jasmin Estrada, Kylie Thomsen, and Brooke Bowlin. In addition to the returning players St. Cloud is also adding a solid group of young players to help the ball club. While finishing 6th in conference last year, St. Cloud is going to be a tough opponent for any team this year.

Head Coach Mitchell Roberts

#11 Raven Vanden Langenberg (IF, R-Jr., R/R, Seymour, Wis. / Seymour HS)

D2CCA All-America Honorable Mention, D2CCA First Team All-Region (SS), NFCA First Team All-Region (SS), First Team All-NSIC (SS)
Hit .434 in 2021 with 59 hits in 136 at bats, including nine doubles, three triples and four home runs for 37 RBI
Ranked top-3 on the team in slugging (.632), on-base percentage (.490), RBI (37), doubles (9), triples (3), home runs (4), total bases (86) and walks (12)

Raven is a dynamic player both offensively and defensively. She is gritty and has softball IQ that few possess. Raven has a knack for being in the right place at the right time and knows how to get the job done. She has worked hard in the off season and is setting herself up for a big year.

Head Coach Mitchell Roberts

#15 Trinity Junker (RHP, Jr., Lindstrom, Minn. / Chisago Lakes HS)

Led the Huskies in ERA and ranked second in wins at the conclusion of 2021
Posted a 7-4 record with a 2.26 ERA; held opponents to a .219 batting average and tallied a team-leading 88 strikeouts
Defeated nationally ranked Winona State and Sioux Falls during the regular season

Trinity has made great strides this off season. She has one of the most effective rise balls in the conference and has been working hard on her secondary pitches to create more balance in her pitch arsenal. Having one more year of experience under her belt I think she is ready to have a breakout season.

Head Coach Mitchell Roberts

UPPER IOWA UNIVERSITY

Upper Iowa softball is eager to get back in action with a new coaching staff at the helm for 2022 as Head Coach Kiki Stokes and Assistant Coach Kelsey Aikey take the reins. UIU finished 2021 with a record of 13-30 (9-21 NSIC), just missing the 10-team conference tournament with an 11th-place NSIC finish. The Peacocks compiled a 4-9 non-conference record and went 6-10 against NSIC opponents at home. UIU staple Katie Crogan returns for her fifth year after being named to the All-NSIC Second Team for the second time. The first-base stalwart hit a career-high nine homers, tied a career-high with 13 doubles, and had her second-best hitting season with a .375 average. Kaylee Frenette returns after tying for second in hits (42) and on-base percentage (.387) thanks to a .309 batting average. Dual-threat Sydney Wilcox comes back after pitching in 23 games with 20 starts, going 3-17 with nine complete games, 48 K’s, and a 5.27 ERA in 103.2 innings. Wilcox also hit .271, tallied 29 hits, including team second-bests of 10 doubles and three home runs, and scored 15 runs while driving in 17. Upper Iowa will play an 18-game non-conference schedule as part of the Alvy Early Memorial Classic, The Rebel Spring Games, and the Fairfield Inn and Suites Classic before opening NSIC play on the road against Winona State University on Mar. 29. The Peacocks start their spring slate with games against William Jewell College and the University of Texas at Tyler on Feb. 12.

This team has phenomenal team chemistry, both on and off the field. They have been working extremely hard, and they are hungry to be different this season. We have some younger players that are poised and looking to get some opportunities and make an impact. The willingness of the players to buy into what us coaches' are trying to teach them, and then the willingness of the players to work hard to play for each other is something we are all looking forward to see pay off. The team is very close, bought-in, and very focused.

Head Coach Kiki Stokes

#4 Katie Crogan (1B, Gr., R/R, Watertown, Wis. / Watertown HS) - Upper Iowa University

Named to her second All-NSIC Second Team in 2021
Led UIU in hits (51), doubles (13), home runs (9), runs (25), runs batted in (25), batting average (.375), slugging percentage (.669), on-base percentage (.401), on-base plus slugging percentage (1.070), and total bases (91)
Tied for the fifth-most doubles and seventh-most home runs in the NSIC
Has slashed .366/.620/.405 with 180 hits, 91 runs, 39 doubles, and 28 home runs while starting all 151 career contests

Katie is an experienced competitor. She knows if she just keeps getting better every day, anything she’s ever wanted is going to be there. Her leadership and consistency has played a key role for this young team. Her ability to get better and hold her teammates accountable will elevate not only her game but the team's. I think we are going to see some big numbers out of Katie this season. Her power at the plate and voice in the infield will be a key part in the success of this program.

Head Coach Kiki Stokes

#19 Abby Buckman (RHP, So., Conesville, Iowa / Lone Tree HS)

Made a team-high 11 relief appearances in the pitching circle as a freshman 11
Went 0-1 with a 7.00 ERA in 17 innings
Tallied eight strikeouts and walked seven
Worked a walk in three at-bats for a .333 on-base percentage

Abby is a pitcher that is looking to capitalize on more opportunities this season. During the fall we saw outstanding growth in her aggressiveness and confidence. This off season was huge for Abby. She's gotten stronger in the weight room and has made a lot of personal gains mentally and physically. I think Abby has taken a big role as a sophomore, becoming more vocal & composed on the mound. She competes every day at a high level, and is a very scrappy pitcher and that's what we love.

Head Coach Kiki Stokes

WAYNE STATE COLLEGE

The Wayne State softball team brings back seven position starters and one starting pitcher from last year’s team that struggled in close games, going 2-9 in one run contests. The Wildcats finished 7-31 overall and were last place in the NSIC going 4-22. Headlining the large group of returners is senior shortstop Kim Vidlak, who was All-NSIC Second Team last season after leading WSC in most offensive categories with a .395 batting average, a team high 51 hits and 25 runs scored. The Wildcats return all three starting outfielders, including senior Kortney Buresh who was second on the team in average (.364), hits (44) and runs scored (20) while leading the team in stolen bases (7). Two other returners also hit over .300 last season – junior outfielder Riley Holmberg (.320) and senior catcher Kamryn Sparks (.308). The Wildcats Pitcher to Watch this season is junior Hadley Chvatal, who was 3-6 with three complete games and a 4.87 ERA in 10 starts before suffering a season ending injury. She will anchor the Wildcat staff of four other pitchers that have only a combined 25 innings of collegiate experience. Wayne State is scheduled to open the 2022 season on Friday, February 11th at the Alvy Early Memorial Tournament in Bentonville, Arkansas.

We're returning 20 athletes from last years roster. All of our returners have experience on the field. The team has been working hard to improve on last year and we're hoping for big things to come.

Head Coach Shelli Manson

#13 Kim Vidlak (IF, Sr., Bennington, Neb. / Millard North HS)

All-NSIC Second Team in 2021
Led WSC in average (.395), hits (51) and runs scored (25)
Only Wildcat to play in all 38 games last season
Had team high 14 multi-hit games and was second in stolen bases with six
Went 6-8 in double header sweep over MSU Moorhead (4/25/21)

Kim is a 3 year starter for us. She is a sound leader on and off the field with an impeccable work ethic. She excels in the classroom along with being a superb teammate.

Head Coach Shelli Manson

#00 Hadley Chvatal (RHP. Jr., Wahoo, Neb. / Bishop Neumann HS)

3-4 record with 4.87 ERA last season
Limited to 10 games due to injury
Had three complete games and struck out 27 batters in just 44 innings
Had complete game win with eight K’s in 7-1 win at Southwest Baptist (3/6/21)
Posted complete game 3-2 win vs. Fort Hays State (2/28/21)

Hadley is our strongest pitcher coming back. She is the emotional leader of the team, that every single athlete can depend on. She has worked tirelessly to comeback from her season ending injury. We're excited to see her back in the circle.

Head Coach Shelli Manson

WINONA STATE UNIVERSITY

The Winona State University softball team qualified for the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) postseason in 2021 and battled deep into the bracket to finish third in the competition under the guidance of head coach Greg Jones, who is sixth all-time in winning percentage among active NCAA Division II mentors.

Although the Warriors graduated one of the most dominant senior groups in program history last spring, the cupboard is far from bare as WSU looks to remain among the region’s elite programs.

Libby Neveau leads the Warrior way offensively, having started 48 games in 2021 where she hit .380 overall and an impressive .767 slugging percentage. Neveau drove in 50 runs en route to an All-NSIC Second Team selection. Neveau led the NSIC in slugging percentage and was second in RBI for the Warriors.

In the circle, WSU welcomes one of the most experienced returners in the league in Liz Pautz, who has been a staple in the Warrior rotation since 2018. Pautz earned All-American honors in 2019, notching a .088 ERA, the third-best all-time Warrior mark. Over her Winona State career, she has earned 35 wins and picked up a pair of saves. In 2021, Pautz produced an 11-5 overall record, held opponents to a .227 batting average - sixth-best in the league – and struck out 173 batters, the fourth-highest total in the conference.

WSU will open 2022 at Rochester Community & Technical College, where they will take on NAIA power Grand View University on February 15. Following their opener with the Vikings, WSU will hit the road for several series, playing in Pittsburg, Kan., Romeoville, Ill., Winter Haven, Fla. and St. Joseph, Mo. before their home opener on Tuesday, March 29 against Upper Iowa University.

I am looking forward to the upcoming season. We graduated a lot of experience and leadership, but that has opened the door to new opportunities and new players to step into those roles. We look forward to competing each day and getting to play the game that we love. I am excited to see where our hard work and passion lead us in 2022.

Head Coach Greg Jones

#17 Libby Neveau (3B, So., R/R, Oshkosh, Wis. / Oshkosh North HS)

Led NSIC in slugging % at .767 & 40th nationally in DII
Second in NSIC in RBI with 50
Had 13 home runs, a top-25 NCAA mark
Scored 40 runs, tied for 7th highest in the NSIC last year.

Libby has been a vital part of our program since her arrival, and has led us on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Libby is a great role model and truly understands what it takes to be an exemplary student and athlete at the DII level. She has a passion for the game, our program and Winona State University.

Head Coach Greg Jones

#24 Liz Pautz (RHP, Sr., Pulaski, Wis. / Pulaski HS)

Struck out 173 batters in 2021, fourth-most in the NSIC
Held opponents to a .227 batting average, sixth best NSIC mark
Was a 2019 All-America selection
Earned 2019 NSIC Newcomer of the year

Liz truly embodies all that is good about Division II and Winona State Softball. She is a true Student/Athlete. As a student, Liz was honored by the NSIC as an NSIC Elite 18 Award Winner, and has earned Academic All-NSIC awards each of her years at Winona State. On the field, Liz has been equally as successful earning All-American Status in the circle, and will be leading our pitching staff into the 2022 campaign.

Head Coach Greg Jones

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