The West Central Tribune (WCT) recently announced its All-Area softball teams for 2023.  Of the 18 players on the first or second All-Area team, nine are seniors, three are juniors, three are sophomores, two are ninth-graders and one is a seventh-grader.

KMS and RCW/BOLD lead the way with three players each named to the teams, while BBE, Benson, Litchfield, Montevideo, NLS, Paynesville, YME and Willmar also had at least one player earning All-Area honors.

Among the honorees were KMS’ Shakira Olson and LQP’s Taylor Shelstad, who both made their third-consecutive appearance on the All-Area teams, while ACGC’s Haley Wilner, KMS’ Josie Gjerde and Willmar’s Zoe Schroeder were named for a second-straight time.

Named to the All-Area first team were RCW/BOLD seventh-grade pitcher Kaitlyn Flann and junior catcher Laila Ridler, KMS senior shortstop Josie Gjerde and senior centerfielder Shakira Olson, Paynesville sophomore shortstop Kaydence Roeske, Willmar senior firstbaseman Zoe Schroeder, LQP senior pitcher/shortstop Taylor Shelstad, YME freshman pitcher Bayli Sneller and ACGC senior shortstop Haley Wilner.

Named to the second team were Montevideo sophomore Lily Eisenlohr, NLS sophomore Dalayne Hatlestad, Litchfield senior Olivia Holmgren, ACGC junior Mikaili Johnson, Benson senior Ellie Krusemark, BBE freshman McKenna Lieser, LQP senior Rylee Lund, RCW/BOLD senior Shay Skold and KMS junior Kya Oakes.

The All-Area teams were selected by the WCT based on nominations from area coaches.