The M&O Conference has officially released its full roster of All-Conference selections for the 2026 softball season, recognizing the standout athletes who dominated the diamond this spring. Headlining this year’s list of honors is the Crivitz Wolverines’ multi-talented senior Taryn Tracy, who was voted the M&O Conference Player of the Year. The star-studded first team features a remarkable collection of high-powered offenses, lockdown catching duos, and elite pitching staffs from top programs across the area, including the Crivitz Wolverines, the Coleman Cougars, the Niagara Badgers, and Lena/STAA.
Crivitz Wolverines Set the Standard with Player of the Year and Star-Studded Lineup
The Crivitz Wolverines enjoyed an incredibly productive season, capturing individual accolades across every major defensive and offensive category. Senior ace and cleanup hitter Taryn Tracy earned the league’s highest individual honor after delivering a historic two-way performance coming off an injury ending junior year. According to team records, Tracy compiled a stellar 17-2 record inside the circle across 24 appearances, flashing a .191 opponent batting average and striking out 153 batters over 123 innings pitched. Offensively, Tracy hit at a blistering .655 clip with 57 hits, 17 doubles, three triples, seven home runs, and 54 RBIs, while logging a .714 on-base percentage and a 1.161 slugging percentage.
Wolverines head coach Mike Tracy spoke on her phenomenal leadership and historic milestones.
“Obviously, she had an injury last year that held her up for the year, came back this season and was absolutely dominating on the mound. Pitched every inning and ended up with 153 strikeouts. So can’t say enough about that. And then at the plate she’s been probably the best hitter I’ve seen in a long time, power wise. Just super smart at the plate and knows where to put the ball, can put it in any direction.”
Coach Tracy continued saying, “ She had 7 home runs this year, which put her in the top 10 in division 4 in the state and had 54 RBIs this year which was the top in division 4 and 2nd overall in the state of Wisconsin on Max Preps. So she was the 2nd leader, and then just a true leader on and off the field who just did a tremendous job. It was throwing strikes, not a lot of walks and just being very consistent.
Coach Tracy finished talking about her mound play saying, “She just was incredible on the mound and to have that on the mound and Izzy behind the plate. It was a one two punch with those two, and then it was a one two punch with them in the batting lineup as well. I mean, they couldn’t pitch around any one of them.”
Tracy also made note about Taryn’s appointment to the All star team saying, “Taryn made the all-star team for the state of Wisconsin, was the only player in Crivitz softball to ever get there, and she got down there and couldn’t play because she got injured in her last game, but to go down there and see a bunch of coaches and how they congratulated her was very cool.”
Junior catcher Isabella Wesoloski joined Tracy on the first team after establishing herself as an elite defensive weapon and a dominant statistical presence. Wesoloski hit .614 through 27 games, racking up 54 hits, 19 doubles, two triples, three home runs, and 38 RBIs, while accumulating a .660 on-base percentage and a massive .977 slugging percentage. Behind the plate, she registered a .967 fielding percentage with 174 putouts and effectively shut down opposing run games. Coach Tracy praised her rare defensive command and consistency in the middle of the order.
“Izzy Wesoloski did all of our catching for us the last couple years. Just tremendous behind the plate and a great athlete and an unbelievable catcher. Didn’t have a lot of throwouts because everybody pretty much knew not to even steal on her. So, I think she threw out a handful of girls, this season and that was pretty much it. I think the fewest stolen bases we’ve ever had against us. She was just an absolute hitter at the plate too. She had numbers this year that were all in the top in division four. In the top 10 for batting average on base slugging. RBIs. She was great hitting the 3 spot for us and was right before Taryn and just got on base consistently and just pounded the ball.”
Senior infielder Hattie Frievalt earned first-team accolades as the central pillar of the Wolverines’ defensive layout. Frievalt started all 27 games, carrying a .465 batting average with 40 hits, six doubles, three triples, and 24 RBIs. She showcased world-class speed on the base paths, scoring 40 runs and going 20-for-24 on stolen base attempts. Coach Tracy highlighted Frievalt’s rock-solid consistency on the infield dirt.
“Hattie was absolutely a rock solid infielder. I have so much confidence in, in our infield and Hattie’s is the backbone behind all of that. And then at the plate this year, she’s was very consistent. A tremendous base runner. Super smart on the bases, super great speed. Just an all around, great player.”
Senior outfielder Kristen Pusick rounded out the first-team sweep for the Wolverines, completing a remarkable comeback story from a knee injury. Pusick turned in a .361 batting average across 27 appearances, generating 26 hits, eight doubles, two triples, two home runs, and 21 RBIs. Defensively, she recorded a flawless 1.000 fielding percentage with 21 putouts in center field while adding eight stolen bases. Coach Tracy expressed his pride in having her back in the heart of the lineup.
“Kirsten Pusick missed with a knee injury last year. Was so happy to have her back. She was a catalyst in the center field spot. Tremendous speed, great arm, just phenomenal athlete all the way across the board. Hit in the middle of our lineup this year, put tons of pressure on, and was super fast on the bases and just created power. I was just thrilled to have her back as well.”
Coleman Cougars Feature Powerhouse Lineup Fueled by Relentless Mindset
“Our seniors brought experience, emotional steadiness, and the ability to set the tone in big moments. They understood the demands of varsity softball and modeled what daily commitment looks like. The juniors stepped in and filled some big shoes that were left from last year’s graduating Seniors.”
LeVash singled out a dramatic, early-season clash against the Niagara Badgers as the precise moment that defined the competitive identity of the team.
“It had to be the first game of the year where we opened the season against Niagara. The game was tied at 11 in the bottom of the seventh when Alyssa Kurth hit a solo home run to left field. That walkoff didn’t just start the season — it defined the season. It showed this team’s heart, grit, and refusal to quit. Alyssa’s home run wasn’t just a win. It was a message, “It showed our kids that if we keep fighting, something good will happen.””
Junior pitcher Makenzie Nowak secured her first-team selection following an exceptional two-way season. Official seasonal tracking sheets show Nowak compiled a 4.84 ERA across 13 pitching appearances. LeVash labeled Nowak as a player driven by absolute competitive fire.
“Makenzie Nowak brought competitive fire, calm presence, and two way production that elevated our lineup and our defense. She had 72 strike outs and only 7 walks as a pitcher. She was an impactful two-way player for us. She had a batting avg. of .369 with a .400 onbase percentage, .892 OPS, 24 hits, and 10 RBI.”
LeVash extended her high praise to senior infielder Macy Nowak, describing her overall presence as explosive and a constant threat to opposing defensive layouts. LeVash broke down her versatile athletic toolkit.
“Macy Nowak brought a level of versatility, athleticism, and competitive fire that transformed our lineup and defense every single day. She was the definition of a complete player — someone who could impact the game in every phase and at any position. She brought explosive athleticism, elite baserunning instincts, and a presence at the plate that changed how teams pitched to us. Macy didn’t just get on base — she created runs, pressured defenses, and set the tone for our offense. Her energy was contagious. She played fast, confident, and fearless, and her teammates fed off that intensity. Offensively, she was one of the most dangerous hitters in the conference. .397 AVG | .460 OBP | 1.139 OPS | .679 SLG 31 hits | 4 home runs | 31 runs scored | 11 stolen bases My one word for Macy – Explosive. Her game is built on instant impact — speed, power, and intensity that changes momentum in a single play.”
Senior catcher Alyssa Kurth achieved first-team honors after anchoring the defense and putting up massive power numbers at the plate. LeVash praised her elite defensive management and dangerous bat.
“Alyssa Kurth didn’t just catch games this season — she controlled them. She brought a level of game knowledge, leadership, and defensive precision that made her one of the most valuable players in the conference. She made our pitchers better every single game. Offensively, she was just as dominant. Kurth hit .465 with a .529 OBP, 1.346 OPS, and .817 slugging percentage, collecting 33 hits, 5 home runs, 36 RBI, and 9 stolen bases. Whether she was driving in runs or setting the tone with her discipline at the plate, Kurth was a constant force in our lineup. She was dangerous with the bat in her hand. Single word to describe Alyssa - “Commanding.” Kurth’s presence, both physically and mentally, shaped our identity this season. She didn’t just play catcher — she defined the position. And in doing so, she became one of the most complete and respected players in the conference. She was steady, vocal, and fiercely competitive.”
Junior center fielder Trina Wendt completed the first-team selections for the Cougars, utilizing her speed to create continuous baseline chaos. LeVash emphasized her dynamic ability to alter the momentum of a game.
“Trina Wendt was our engine in center field — covering ground, getting on base, and creating chaos with her speed. 22 hits • 18 walks • 10 stolen bases She emerged this season as one of the conference’s most reliable and Her stats: .349 AVG | .494 OBP | 19 R | 10 SB Her descriptive word: Dynamic - Impactful in multiple ways — speed, range, onbase ability, and energy.”
The Lena/STAA co-op program locked down two prominent positions on the M&O First Team with junior infielder Brielle Fischer and junior outfielder Adrena Rabas. Head coach Chad Rabas highlighted how the elite pairing consistently dictated the outcome of contests from the top of the batting order.
“Adrena and Brielle each had a great season at the plate batting .467 and .526 respectively. Adrena is our long time leader as she has been selected first team in the outfield for the third consecutive year. Defensively I haven’t seen a more natural outfielder in my short time coaching. She had at least four diving catches in conference play I doubt anyone else gets to. Her arm has been impressive also as teams have simply stopped challenging her arm. Adrena also causes chaos on the base paths as she has not been caught stealing in conference play in those three years Brielle at shortstop is new to the school as a Preble transfer but along with her 500+ batting average, she simply impressed with her slick fielding and range so it didn’t take long to make an impression on the rest of the league even though she pitched several games early in the year. Adrena and Brielle batting 1 and 2 respectively set the tone offensively in each game.”
The Niagara Badgers were represented on the first team by junior infielder Grace Payette, whose leadership and multi-positional excellence anchored the program. Statistical tracking logs indicate Payette played in 15 games, producing a .440 batting average and a 1.103 OPS with 22 hits, 15 runs scored, four doubles, three triples, and four stolen bases, while compiling 58 putouts defensively. Head coach Emily Payette voiced immense pride in her team-first attitude and passionate style of play.
“Grace was huge for us this year both on the field and at the plate. She was always trying to keep the team morale up even if we were down on the scoreboard. She was consistent at the plate and aggressive on the bases. She led the team in stolen bases for the year. She also played many different positions during the season and was willing to go wherever the team needed her. She started the year as catcher and then moved to center field and finally settled in at second base while also playing a few innings at shortstop and third base. One word to describe her would be passionate.”
The extensive talent depth of the M&O Conference was on full display with the announcement of the All-Conference Second Team. Senior pitcher Keaghan Strumbris of the Wausaukee Rangers and senior pitcher Elesia Sweig of the Niagara Badgers headline the second-team pitching selections. Official data sheets show Sweig recorded 90 strikeouts over 71.2 innings pitched while adding 12 hits and six stolen bases at the plate. Catching honors on the second unit went to sophomore Izzy Ondik of Gillett/Suring and junior Coreen Schroeder of the Wausaukee Rangers.
The second-team infield unit features junior Kiya Brand of the Crivitz Wolverines, sophomore Kara Goddard of the Coleman Cougars, junior Paige Guardiola of the Niagara Badgers, and sophomore Marli Meyers of the Crivitz Wolverines. Season logs indicate Guardiola enjoyed a stellar campaign, hitting .432 with 19 hits and 14 runs, while also contributing 22 strikeouts over 20 pitching innings. Statistical sheets show Goddard added a steady .294 batting average with 15 hits and nine stolen bases for the Cougars. The second-team outfield is comprised of freshman Haili Dorschner of the Crivitz Wolverines, freshman Jaelyn Kleikamp of the Niagara Badgers, and junior Clara Schaal of Gillett/Suring.
A talented group of varsity contributors received All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition for their impactful performances on the diamond this spring. The selections include freshman Skyeler Betts of the Wausaukee Rangers, junior Britta Burrack of Gillett/Suring, and junior Brecken Ott of the Crivitz Wolverines.
Also gaining honorable mention distinction are sophomore Lauren Paidl of Lena/STAA, senior Ella Wyss of the Coleman Cougars, and junior Shelby Zittlow of the Niagara Badgers. Official team fielding metrics highlight Zittlow’s strong defensive presence, as she recorded a .960 fielding percentage with 67 putouts while adding 12 hits and 12 RBIs offensively. Wyss turned in a strong senior campaign for the Cougars, finishing the year with a .298 batting average, 14 hits, 14 runs scored, and four stolen bases.
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