University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Trio of Panthers named to NFCA All-Region Team
5/15/2025 1:33:00 PM | Softball
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) has announced its 2025 Division I All-Region selections, honoring 380 standout student-athletes from 146 programs across the country. Among them, three University of Northern Iowa Panthers earned well-deserved recognition for their exceptional performances this season.
Third baseman Kate Lappe was named to the All-Midwest Region First Team, shortstop Kylee Sanders earned a spot on the Second Team, and designated player Addison McElrath was selected to the Third Team. This marks the first NFCA All-Region honor for all three student-athletes.
Kate Lappe – First Team, Third Base
Following one of the most dominant offensive seasons in Panther history, Lappe was named the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Player of the Year and earned All-MVC First Team honors for the first time in her career. A Preseason All-MVC selection, Lappe delivered at the plate with a .433 batting average, 61 hits, 34 runs, and 48 RBIs. She slugged an astounding .915 and reached base at a .542 clip.
Lappe's 19 home runs are tied for second in UNI's single-season record books, while her batting average and slugging percentage also rank second all-time. She led the MVC in nearly every major offensive category, including batting average, home runs, on-base percentage, slugging, and total bases. Lappe was also named MVC Player of the Week twice and earned D1Softball.com National Player of the Week honors once during the season.
Kylee Sanders – Second Team, Shortstop
A steady and impactful presence on both sides of the ball, Sanders capped her collegiate career with a stellar senior season. She led the MVC and ranked fourth nationally with 2.73 assists per game, while her 134 total assists placed her ninth in the country. Offensively, Sanders was a catalyst at the top of the lineup, leading the conference with 67 hits and averaging 1.02 runs per game. She hit .424 and reached base at a .521 clip, finishing just four hits shy of entering UNI's all-time top three for single-season hits.
Addison McElrath – Third Team, Designated Player
McElrath was a consistent power threat for UNI in 2025, batting .354 with 56 hits, 16 home runs, and 47 RBIs. She earned All-MVC First Team and MVC All-Tournament Team honors for her efforts. The senior slugger made a statement in her final postseason appearance, belting back-to-back home runs in UNI's MVC Semifinal game against eventual tournament champion Belmont.
UNI softball action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Softball), X (@UNISoftball), and on Instagram (@unisoftball). The 2025 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
