Hurricanes softball celebrates championship season

Hayward Hurricanes softball players celebrated their championship season at an awards picnic Sunday June 9 at Stone Lake Lions Park.

Coach Julie Zawistowski said the team “played with pride, purpose, resiliency, integrity and discipline in everyone. It’s still a work in progress. This team continues to grow.”

The Canes finished as the Heart O’ North Conference champions with a 17-1 record and were 19-7 overall. It was the first conference championship for a Hayward softball team since 1991.

“Most of the losses were crucial in making progress as a program,” the coach said. “All of you young ladies have taken this program to the next level. We showed more mental toughness this season than ever.

“Everyone has played a crucial part in rebuilding and rebranding this program over the past 10 years: community, school staff, family members and all of you young ladies who played with a purpose<“ Zawistowski said.

The championship “was a program effort,” the coach said. “We as coaches appreciate the parents and players for trusting the process. Players’ efforts during the off-season will give us a jump start for success in the 2025 season. Continue to build your team culture by hanging out together.”

Coaches Natalie Erler, Megan Sorensen and Julie Zawistowski spoke about each player individually and handed out all-conference and team awards. The only senior this year was Madi Bergschnieder.

Eight Hurricanes were chosen to the Heart O’ North All-Conference Team, the most for many years.

On the All-HON first team are junior pitcher Brooke Laier, senior infielder Madi Bergschnieder, junior Greta Woelber and sophomore infielder Colby Sprenger.

Sophomore infielder Nikki Miller was chosen to the second team, while junior catcher Sophia Marino, junior infielder Leah Swan and junior outfielder Gretchen Gajewski received honorable mention.

Team awards were presented to:

Most Valuable Bench Player, Emma Blinkwolt; Most Valuable Player on Offense, Madi Bergschnieder; Golden Glove Award, Colby Sprenger; Hurricane Heart Award, Nikki Miller; Most Valuable Player, Madi Bergschnieder.