Nevaeh Russell of Peshtigo Voted Wisconsin Softball's Top Shortstop of 2026

Russell earned 40% of the vote to outdistance Hartford senior Lauren Voss, who finished second with 32%.

Peshtigo senior Nevaeh Russell has been voted High School on SI Wisconsin Softball's Top Shortstop of 2026. | Nicole Russell, Peshtigo Softball

Congratulations to Peshtigo senior Nevaeh Russell for being voted High School On SI Wisconsin Softball's Top Shortstop of 2026.

In the fan-voted poll (reflecting on the 2025 accomplishments of 15 talented players from throughout the state May 19-May 26), the Peshtigo standout came out on top.

The Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association all-state honorable mention selection and University of Wisconsin-Parkside recruit helped lead the Bulldogs to a sixth-place finish in the Packerland Conference, a berth in the WIAA Division 3 regional semifinals, and a 14-6 overall record.

Russell earned 40% of the vote to take top honors, Hartford senior Lauren Voss was second (32%),Muskego junior Samantha Brunner placed third (13%), Slinger junior KJ Burkel took fourth (6%), and Wisconsin Lutheran junior Reese Grudzielanek was fifth (2%).

Other nominees included:

Amaya Brooks, Brillion, senior

The Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association all-state honorable mention selection helped lead Brillion to a share of the Eastern Wisconsin Conference championship, a berth in the WIAA Division 3 sectional semifinals, and a 21-4 overall record.

Samantha Brunner, Muskego, junior

The WFSCA all-state honorable mention helped lead Muskego to a second-place finish in the Classic 8 Conference, a berth in the WIAA Division 1 sectional semifinals, and a 21-6 overall record.

KJ Burkel, Slinger, junior

The WFSCA all-state honorable mention selection helped lead Slinger to a fourth-place finish in the North Shore Conference, a berth in the WIAA Division 1 regional finals, and an 18-8 overall record.

Reese Grudzielanek, Wisconsin Lutheran, junior

The WFSCA second-team all-state selection helped lead Wisconsin Lutheran to the Woodland Conference (West Division) championship, a berth in the WIAA Division 1 sectional finals, and a 21-2 overall record.

Sophie Hermus, Kimberly, senior

The WFSCA first-team all-state selection helped lead Kimberly to a third-place finish in the Fox Valley Association, a berth in the WIAA Division 1 sectional semifinals and an 18-10 overall record.

Taelyn Jirschele, Mosinee, senior

The WFSCA second-team all-state selection helped lead Mosinee to the Great Northern Conference championship, a berth in the WIAA Division 2 regional finals, and a 20-7 overall record.

Emma Julka, Beaver Dam, senior

The WFSCA all-state honorable mention selection helped lead Beaver Dam to third-place finish in the Badger Conference (Large Division, a berth in the WIAA Division 1 sectional semifinals, and a 16-11 overall record.

Austyn Kinch, Mineral Point, sophomore

The WFSCA first-team all-state selection helped lead Mineral Point to a share of the Southwest Wisconsin Activities League (SWAL) championship, a berth in the WIAA Division 4 state semifinals, and a 24-6 overall record.

Aubrey Maurer, Laconia, senior

The WFSCA second-team all-state selection helped lead Laconia to a share of the Flyway Conference championship, a berth in the WIAA Division 3 state semifinals, and a 23-8 overall record.

Allison Now, North Fond du Lac, senior

The WFSCA all-state honorable mention helped lead North Fond du Lac to a fifth-place finish in the Flyway Conference and a berth in the WIAA Division 3 regional semifinals.

Raivyn Rabideau, Kaukauna, senior

The All-Fox Valley Association honorable mention selection helped lead Kaukauna to the Fox Valley Association title, a WIAA Division 1 state championship, and a 28-0 overall record.

Carsyn Ramaker, Belmont, junior

The WFSCA first-team all-state selection helped lead Belmont to a share of the Six Rivers Conference title, a WIAA Division 5 state championship, and a 26-3 overall record.

Rory Salvesen, Wittenberg-Birnamwood, senior

The WFSCA first-team all-state selection helped lead Wittenberg-Birnamwood to third place in the Central Wisconsin Conference (East Division), a berth in the WIAA Division 3 regional finals, and an 18-10 overall record.

Lauren Voss, Hartford, senior

The WFSCA first-team all-state selection helped lead Hartford to a North Shore Conference championship, a berth in the WIAA Division 1 regional finals, and a 22-6 overall record.

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-- Jeff Hagenau | jeffreyhagenau@gmail.com