Four Raider Softball Athletes Recognized on All-GPAC List

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Northwestern softball landed four athletes on the 2026 All-GPAC list, with Ava Gross and Paige Kingery being selected to the first team.

Ava Gross – First Team (Infielder)
Gross was the top bat for the Raiders in her freshman season, leading the team and sitting third in the GPAC in batting average (.434). She was also the team leader in on-base percentage (.503), had 17 extra base hits, and drove in 39 runs. In April 8's win over Briar Cliff, Gross broke the single-game program record with eight RBIs on a 4-for-4 outing.

Paige Kingery – First Team (Infielder)
Kingery hit .365 and held down the third base spot, playing in all 47 games in her freshman season. The freshman from Cerritos, California hit two home runs and drove in 31 runs this season. Kingery finished second on the team in walks (24), boosting the Raiders' NAIA lead in the category.

Tatum Schmalbeck – Second Team (Utility)
Schmalbeck was a two-way standout in her junior season. She hit .320 with 43 RBIs, sitting second on the team and fifth in the GPAC in runs batted in. She stepped up in the circle when the Raiders needed her most, earning 12 wins with a GPAC-leading four saves in 109 innings pitched. It is the third time that Schmalbeck has earned All-GPAC accolades.

Cassidy Gors – Honorable Mention (Infielder)
Earning All-GPAC honors for the first time in her career, Gors was a regular at first base in her senior season. She played in 46 games, driving in 20 runs and scoring 19 times. Gors swiped 11 bases and totaled 320 putouts, showcasing her ability on both sides of the plate.

Don't forget to follow Northwestern College Athletics on Facebook @nwcraiders, Twitter @nwcraiders, and Instagram @nwcraiders! #RaidersStandOut

Print Friendly Version

Players Mentioned

#5 Cassidy Gors: INF; 5' 3"; Senior; R/R

#2 Tatum Schmalbeck: P/INF; 5' 6"; Junior; R/R

#13 Ava Gross: INF; 5' 5"; Freshman; R/R

#33 Paige Kingery: INF; 5' 4"; Freshman

Players Mentioned

#5 Cassidy Gors
: 5' 3"; Senior; R/R
: INF

#2 Tatum Schmalbeck
: 5' 6"; Junior; R/R
: P/INF

#13 Ava Gross
: 5' 5"; Freshman; R/R
: INF

#33 Paige Kingery
: 5' 4"; Freshman
: INF