WINONA, Minn. – Winona State softball head coach Greg Jones has announced six commits to the Warrior softball program: Sydney Borchert, Josie Brudos, Jessica Dittel-Hoefler, Catelyn Swanepoel, Lauren Shepherd, and Mallory Tomkins.
Coach Jones on the recruiting class: "We are excited to announce our signing class of 2026. This entire group is made up of elite student-athletes who will make an impact both on and off the field at Winona State. This group consists of very high character individuals who also happen to be very high-end softball players. I can't wait for this tremendous group of gifted student/athletes to get to campus next fall and help continue to lead our program to even greater heights."
Sydney Borchert, a pitcher from Anoka, Minn. and St. Francis High School is a two-time Mississippi 8 Conference Pitcher of the Year, a two-time First Team All-Section honoree, and a two-time First Team All-Conference award winner. Borchert surpassed 750 strikeouts and 100 hits during her junior season at St. Francis en route to being named MFCA Second Team All-State in 2025.
Coach Jones on Borchert: "We are very excited to welcome Sydney Borchert to the Winona State Softball Family. Sydney is an elite pitcher in the state of Minnesota who has had a tremendous amount of success for both her high school and summer programs. Sydney has tremendous mound presence, and is a supremely confident pitcher. She can control the game from the circle not only with her pace and movement, but with her Grit and determination. Sydney's drive, dedication, and tremendous talent will be a perfect addition to our pitching staff."
Josie Brudos, a pitcher from West Salem, Wis. and West Salem High School, is a three-time First Team All-District award winner, a three-time First Team All-Conference honoree, a two-time Coulee Conference Pitcher of the Year, and has earned three All-State awards. Brudos eclipsed 500 strikeouts and 100 hits during her junior season in 2025.
Coach Jones on Brudos: "We are incredibly excited to have a pitcher of Josie's caliber join the softball family here at Winona State. Josie is one of the premier pitchers and hitters in the State of Wisconsin. Her work ethic, championship drive, and obvious talents will make an immediate impact on our pitching staff. Josie has pitched in big game situations her entire career which will be an incredible asset to us in order to keep our program at an elite level. Josie will be a key ingredient to the future success of our team."
Jessica Dittel-Hoefler, an outfielder from Scandia, Minn. and Chisago Lakes High School, is a two-time Mississippi 8 Player of the year, a two-time First Team All-Conference honoree, and was All-Section in both 2024 and 2025.
Coach Jones on Dittel-Hoefler: "We are incredibly happy to welcome Jessica Dittel-Hoefler to Winona State University. Jessica is a dynamic offensive force who has experienced an enormous amount of success for both her high school and elite level travel team. Jessica is a rare player who can control the game both offensively and defensively. She will make an immediate and vital impact on our team as soon as she puts on the Warrior uniform next fall."
Catelyn Swanepoel, an infielder from New Richmond, Wis. and New Richmond High School, is a three-time Big Rivers All-Conference honoree, two-time All-District award winner, and was named to the Honorable Mention All-State Team in 2024.
Coach Jones on Swanepoel: "We are extremely excited to have a player of Catelyn's caliber join the Winona State Softball family. Cate can be a game breaking offensive player with a combination of consistency and pop. She has the ability to make an immediate impact in our lineup, and her ability to make plays and cover ground on the infield is something we truly covet. Catelyn plays the game hard and with great passion. She will be a vital ingredient to the future success of our team."
Lauren Shepherd, a catcher from Chippewa Falls, Wis. and Chippewa Falls High School, is a two-time First Team Big Rivers All-Conference player, a two-time First Team All-District honoree, and has earned two All-State honors while racking up 84 career home runs.
Coach Jones on Shepherd: "We are excited to welcome Lauren Shepherd to Winona State. Lauren is an elite hitter who can hit for both power and a high average. Lauren has experienced great team and individual success on the field. Likewise, she is a tremendous athlete, who has the ability to play multiple spots on the field. Lauren is a vital addition to our program and has the ability to help us immediately upon her arrival to Winona State."
Mallory Tomkins, an outfielder from Dubuque, Iowa and Dubuque Hempstead High School, is a two-time Mississippi Valley All-Conference member, a two-time First Team All-Area and First Team All-District honoree, and has earned consecutive All-State honors. Tomkins is also a two-time state champion in the DMR.
Coach Jones on Tomkins: "The Winona State Softball Family is excited to welcome Mallory Tomkins. Mallory will be a valuable asset to our program with her elite speed. Mallory's athleticism and ability to contribute both offensively and cover ground defensively in the outfield will make an immediate impact for us upon her arrival at Winona State."
The 2025 Winona State softball season will begin with a doubleheader against Grand View University on February 11th at the RCTC Dome in Rochester, Minn.
