Chippewa Valley Times

The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) has released its list of 383 student-athletes named to the 2025 NFCA Division III All-Region teams. Among those honored are four players from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire: Paige Lathrop, Molly Marquardt, Kenna Strunsee, and Brooklyn Swanepoel.

Paige Lathrop, Molly Marquardt, and Kenna Strunsee were selected for the Region VIII Second Team. Brooklyn Swanepoel was named to the Region VIII Third Team.

Lathrop, an outfielder for UW-Eau Claire, achieved a .442 batting average this season, making her second highest on the team. She also ranked fourth with 27 RBIs and successfully stole 26 bases out of 30 attempts.

Marquardt, who plays third base, recorded a .399 batting average this spring. She set a school record with 24 doubles this season and led the team with seven home runs and 51 RBIs. Her slugging percentage stood at .739 with a total of 32 extra-base hits.

Strunsee also played as an outfielder and had a .419 batting average. She led the team in scoring with 55 runs and held a team-high of 33 stolen bases, being caught stealing only once. Strunsee hit ten doubles, ranking second on the squad.

Swanepoel played shortstop for UW-Eau Claire and maintained a team-high batting average of .446. Her OPS was second highest on the team at 1.050 this season, and she ranked third in runs scored with 32.

UW-Eau Claire is among eight schools that had four players recognized by the NFCA awards. These awards honor student-athletes across ten regions by selecting them to one of three teams based on nominations and votes from NFCA member head coaches in their respective regions.

All recognized athletes will be considered for selection to one of three NFCA Division III All-America squads. The announcement will take place online on May 28 during the NCAA Division III Finals banquet in Bloomington, Illinois.