UW-Whitewater's Grace Wickman earns All-Region recognition

WHITEWATER, Wis. — Grace Wickman was one of two members of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater softball team to collect All-Region accolades from the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

Wickman, a Communication major from Wausaukee, received Second Team honors, while Kiarra Kostroski (Fort Atkinson, Wis./Fort Atkinson) was named to the Third Team.

The junior duo were catalysts for the Warhawks’ offense all season.

Wickman, a 2021 graduate of Peshtigo High School, was an ironwoman for UW-Whitewater, starting all 43 games at third base for the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference-champion Warhawks.

Wickman led UW-Whitewater in batting average (.406), doubles (11), triples (2) and runs batted in (27).

She had an OPS of 1.069 and a slugging percentage of .623 in 138 at-bats, all of which were top-three on the team. Wickman also recorded top-three marks in runs scored (25) and home runs (7).

Defensively, Wickman had a fielding percentage of .970 with just three errors in 101 chances at the hot corner.

Kostroski played in the outfield, as well at first base and catcher for the Warhawks. She led the team in OPS (1.120), runs scored (34) and slugging percentage (.672) while hitting .384 with 48 hits, 26 RBIs, 16 walks, 11 doubles, two triples and seven homers.

Kostroski recorded a fielding percentage of 1.000 without a single error across all three positions.

UW-Whitewater compiled a record of 33-10 and earned a trip to the NCAA Division III Regional tournament.