Pitcher Grace Aichele shines in the spotlight for Ashwaubenon softball

Ashwaubenon senior Grace Aichele could have been the undisputed ace for many high school softball teams the past few years. Just not the Jaguars. Not with former star Berritt Herr , who is in her freshman season for the University of Wisconsin, taking the lead role for a team that was one win away from the WIAA Division 1 state tournament in 2024.

So, when Ashwaubenon coach Raelynn Wingert is asked how Aichele has progressed this season in her role as the new No. 1, it’s a difficult question to answer. Wingert and her players have always viewed the left-hander for the standout talent she is and what she brings to a team.

Everyone knew she would get her day in the spotlight and shine. “Of course, she has grown,” Wingert said. “She has grown confidently in a couple of her specific pitches and locations of where she hits and executes.

But she has grown just in her presence on the mound and her ability to command the circle, be excited by her own successes but hold herself accountable for always being driven for wanting more. “We have been allowed to show everyone what we have seen the past three years, which is really exciting. ” It must have been difficult to step into the spot vacated by Herr, who was the co-player of the year in the Fox River Classic Conference each of the last two seasons and had committed to play for the Badgers before her junior year.