University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Skylar Benesh, Kate Lappe named NFCA All-Region
5/14/2026 12:18:00 PM | Softball
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) has announced its 2026 Division I All-Region selections, honoring standout student-athletes from programs across the country. Among them, a pair of UNI Panthers earned well-deserved recognition for their exceptional performances this season.
Skylar Benesh was named to the 2026 NFCA All-Region (Midwest) First Team at the shortstop position, while Kate Lappe was named to the Second Team at first base. This is Lappe's second All-Region honor after being named to the first team last season, while Benesh is making her first appearance on the NFCA All-Region squad.
The 2026 Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year and All-MVC First Teamer, Skylar Benesh is adding another accolade to her outstanding 2026 campaign, claiming NFCA All-Region First Team honors for the first time in her career. She joins a cohort of some of the most dominant Panther players to compete as UNI's 13th First Teamer, dating back to 1993. Benesh led the Panthers in batting average (.440), at-bats (184), runs (67), hits (81), and stolen bases (15) this season. The shortstop set the program and MVC record for single-season runs, and ranks 16th in the nation with 81 hits and 67 runs.
Kate Lappe adds her second NFCA All-Region nod to her storied UNI career, as the first baseman claims Second Team honors after a successful 2026 season. Lappe joins Jody Dean, Lindsay Wood, Sammey Bunch, Kailyn Packard, Mya Dodge, and Alexis Pupillo as the only Panthers to claim All-Region honors for the NFCA multiple times in their Panther careers. The infielder led the Panthers with a 1.464 OPS, 15 doubles, 21 home runs, 145 total bases, a .912 slugging percentage, 51 walks, and a .552 on-base percentage. She set the program record for single-season walks and ranked eighth in the country in walks drawn per game (0.96).
UNI softball action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Softball), X (@UNISoftball), and on Instagram (@unisoftball). The 2026 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
