Posted: Apr 29, 2026

Softball Earns Three All-G-MAC Honorees; Freshman Duo, Eckerman And Kowalski Headline All-Conference Selections

MIDLAND, MICH. — The Great Midwest Athletic Conference announced its 2026 Softball All-Conference teams and postseason awards on Wednesday (April 29).

Freshman outfielder Brinley Eckerman headlined the Timberwolves' selections, earning All-GMAC First Team honors after an outstanding debut season. Senior designated player Ashley Ziel and freshman catcher Jenna Kowalski also earned All-Conference recognition.

ALL-CONFERENCE FIRST TEAM

Eckerman delivered one of the top rookie seasons in the conference, batting .389 (56-for-144) with 32 runs scored, 12 doubles, one triple, and 25 RBI across 42 games. She ranked sixth in the G-MAC in batting average (.389) and eighth in on-base percentage (.423) while consistently setting the table at the top of the lineup.

Ziel provided steady production in the middle of the order, hitting .400 (54-for-135) with 24 runs scored, 10 doubles, three home runs, and 33 RBI. She ranked among the conference leaders, sitting fifth in batting average (.403), fifth in on-base percentage (.449), and fifth in slugging percentage (.545) while serving as one of Northwood's most consistent run producers.

Kowalski added immediate impact in her freshman season, batting .356 (36-for-101) with 17 runs scored, seven doubles, two home runs, and 18 RBI in 34 appearances. She posted a .431 on-base percentage while providing a strong defensive backstop and depth to the lineup.

This marks the first career All-Conference honors for Eckerman and Kowalski and the third for Ziel. Ziel was a First Team honoree in both 2023 and 2025.

CONFERENCE NOTES

The Tiffin Dragons captured their second straight G-MAC regular season title, while other major award winners included:

Player of the Year: Annika Bredel, Findlay
Pitcher of the Year: Ella Esterby, Tiffin
Coach of the Year: Paige McMenemy, Tiffin
Freshman of the Year: Anna Gorshak, Cedarville