ICCAC Commends Best with Division I Softball All-Region Distinctions

ICCAC Commends Best with Division I Softball All-Region Distinctions

The 2025 Region 11 Division I Softball All-Region selections have been announced, highlighting a season filled with standout performances.

Leading the way is Allie Cromer of Iowa Western, who was named Division I Player of the Year. Cromer consistently delivered on both sides of the ball, anchoring the infield while serving as a force at the plate for the Reivers. She led the region in runs (55), hits (69), doubles (22), and total bases (125), while posting a .451 batting average, .506 on-base percentage, and a .817 slugging percentage.

She was joined by teammate Olivia Dougherty, a freshman who earned Division I Pitcher of the Year honors after a dominant debut season in the circle. Dougherty finished with a 15–7 record, led the region with 168 strikeouts and 131.1 innings pitched, and also ranked first in shutouts (5) and complete games (14), while maintaining a 2.35 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. The

Reivers placed a total of four players on the First Team, including freshman infielder Kacy Miller and freshman outfielder Jaylynn Brandt, helping Iowa Western maintain its position as one of the region's top contenders.

Indian Hills also had a strong showing, led by ICCAC Offensive Player of the Year Ava Smith, a sophomore outfielder who set the tone at the plate all season long. Smith led the region with a .489 batting average and a .548 on-base percentage, while ranking second in home runs (12), hits (67), total bases (121), and slugging percentage (.883).

The Warriors placed four players on the First Team, including Ashlynn Sheets, an outstanding sophomore pitcher, as well as outfielders Mary-Paige Withers and Peyton Raley, who provided speed, range, and offensive production from the outfield.

At the helm of this well-rounded squad was Jim Overturf, who was recognized as the Coach of the Year who led the Warriors back to the top of the conference standings. IHCC finished with a 13-2 record in conference, 32-16 overall and the Region 11 runner up.

Southeastern was highlighted by Defensive Player of the Year Jeilane Stewart, a freshman catcher whose command behind the plate and strong defensive instincts earned her First Team recognition. Stewart had a .982 fielding percentage behind the plate, with 199 putouts and 18 assists. She committed just four errors.

She was joined by sophomore infielder Tayler Braun and freshman outfielder Lydia Zaruba, both of whom played key roles in Southeastern's success on both offense and defense.

Southwestern contributed two players to the First Team. Sophomore Brooklyn Hadl stood out among infielders across the region, while sophomore utility player Erika Kruse earned honors for her versatility and all-around contributions.

 

First Team All-Region:

#

Year

POS

Player

School

6

Fr.

C

Jeilane Stewart

Southeastern

21

Fr.

DP

Mariah Herrera

Iowa Western

4

So.

INF

Ava Smith

Indian Hills

7

So.

INF

Allie Cromer

Iowa Western

1

Fr.

INF

Kacy Miller

Iowa Western

2

So.

INF

Tayler Braun

Southeastern

21

So.

INF

Brooklyn Hadl

Southwestern

28

Fr.

OF

Mary-Paige Withers

Indian Hills

3

So.

OF

Peyton Raley

Indian Hills

5

Fr.

OF

Jaylynn Brandt

Iowa Western

18

Fr.

OF

Lydia Zaruba

Southeastern

7

So.

P

Ashlynn Sheets

Indian Hills

19

Fr.

P

Olivia Dougherty

Iowa Western

18

So.

UTL

Erika Kruse

Southwestern

Second Team All-Region:

#

Year

POS

Player

School

14

Fr.

C

Emma Scully

Indian Hills

5

So.

DP

Yarah Zuiver

Indian Hills

21

So.

INF

Courtney Locke

Indian Hills

31

Fr.

INF

Shannon Buford

Indian Hills

10

Fr.

INF

Kamira Botos

Iowa Western

15

So.

INF

Ella Florey

Southeastern

11

Fr.

INF

Emma Moore

Southwestern

19

Fr.

OF

Cassandra Benburg

Indian Hills

6

Fr.

OF

Amber Dougherty

Iowa Western

11

Fr.

OF

Makenzie Sweeney

Southeastern

13

Fr.

OF

Clara O'Brien

Southwestern

6

So.

P

Alivia Ruble

Indian Hills

39

Fr.

P

Saydee Plummer

Iowa Western

9

So.

P

Navy Clark 

Southeastern

30

So.

UTL

Bethany Button

Southwestern

Special Awards: 

Player of the Year: Allie Cromer, Iowa Western
Offensive Player of the Year: Ava Smith, Indian Hills
Defensive Player of the Year:
Jeilane Stewart, Southeastern 
Pitcher of the Year: Olivia Dougherty, Iowa Western
Coach of the Year: Jim Overturf, Indian Hills

*Article courtesy of ICCAC.