Softball | 5/19/2026 3:28:00 PM

Saint Francis Softball's Sofia Zielinski has earned national recognition as a member of the NFCA All-Great Lakes Region Third Team, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced Wednesday.

This marks the first honor of her career and caps a standout season in which the sophomore was named to the NEC All-Conference First Team. She also set a new program record with an 18-game hitting streak and tied the single-season program record with a .452 batting average.

At the conclusion of the 2026 season, the Arizona native led the team in hits (56), home runs (12), and total bases (103), among other categories, helping power the Red Flash lineup throughout the year.

Zielinski is the 25th Red Flash softball player to earn All-Region honors and just the 11th to receive third-team recognition.

Head coach Bill Vasko commented on Sofia Zielinski earning Third Team All-Region honors following the announcement.

"I am incredibly proud of Sofia for earning Third Team All-Region honors," Vasko said. "To be recognized at the regional level speaks volumes about the consistency, versatility, and impact she had on our program this season. She embraced every role we asked of her and continued to find ways to help us win."

Vasko also highlighted the significance of Zielinski receiving the honor as a utility player.

"What makes this honor especially meaningful is that Sofia earned it as a utility player," Vasko added. "It takes a unique athlete to handle multiple responsibilities at a high level while still producing offensively and defensively. Her willingness to do whatever the team needed never wavered."

He also reflected on her development throughout the season and the work that led to the recognition.

"Sofia's growth throughout the season was tremendous," Vasko said. "She competed with confidence, handled pressure moments well, and became one of the steady leaders within our lineup. Recognition like this is a reflection of the hard work she put in every single day behind the scenes."