The Willmar Cardinals softball team is gearing up for another exciting season, fueled by the momentum of a remarkable 2025 playoff run. Despite their youth, the Cardinals battled their way to the Section 8AAA final four last year, and now they're aiming to build on that late-season success for an even deeper postseason journey this spring.
Leading the charge is second-year head coach Breanna Tupa, who has unwavering belief in her squad. "I have the utmost confidence in this group," Tupa said. "Their work ethic, toughness and love for softball set a strong foundation for success. I'm excited to see how they continue to grow, develop and compete together as a team throughout the season." She is supported by a dedicated coaching staff including Dain Kalkbrenner, Erica Bradford, Hannah Johnson, and Jarad Ripperger.
The team is navigating the departure of three key seniors, including All-Central Lakes Conference selection Hannah Magnuson. However, a strong core of returning talent provides plenty of optimism. The battery looks particularly promising, with senior Aubrey Peterson and freshman All-CLC pick Brynnlee Carroll sharing duties behind the plate and in the outfield.
The pitching circle will be anchored by a young but powerful duo: sophomore Grace Kalkbrenner and eighth-grader Claire Guennigsmann, who also contribute at first and second base, respectively. "Grace and Claire are players to watch," Tupa noted. "We have a young pitching crew but our girls have a lot of power behind every pitch. Their control of their pitches and the game is evident."
While the team awaits the hopeful late-season return of junior standout Isley Ripperger from a knee injury, sophomore Norah Nesges will hold down the outfield. Ripperger's All-Area and All-CLC performance from last season, featuring a .377 average and 26 stolen bases, is a testament to the high-caliber talent within this program. With a roster featuring five underclassmen, the Willmar Cardinals are a young team on the rise, blending experienced leadership with exciting new talent for what promises to be a compelling season.