Oconto Falls’ Bell, Shawano’s Habeck named to all-star rosters

Oconto Falls’ Haley Bell and Shawano’s Gracyn Habeck were each named to Wisconsin Fastpitch Softball Coaches Association senior all-star rosters for Divisions 2 and 3.

Despite not playing games in the spring because of the coronavirus pandemic, the WFSCA still decided to release all-star rosters. The all-star games, which are usually played in the middle of June, also did not take place.

Habeck was coming off a junior season in which she landed on the Bay Conference first team.

Habeck, who is set to join the Lakeland University team in college, also made the WFSCA District 2 large school honorable mention team as a junior.

“It was a huge honor receiving that spot on the all-star roster,” said Habeck. “After deciding not to play basketball this winter, I focused my time on pitching open gyms and hitting open gyms. I really wanted to have a season, especially for the work that I put in during the winter.”

“Also, a lot of my teammates this winter put in a lot of work — we would’ve had a great season! I’m just sad that we weren’t able to go out on the field and show that. Overall, to end out my senior year receiving that honor, it was a happy and sad ending, but I’m proud of the honor I received.”

Bell enjoyed a strong junior season for the Panthers and was expecting to make an even bigger impact as a senior.

She would have served as the team’s top pitcher this spring and tried to help the team replicate its success from the past few seasons.

“I was extremely honored to be chosen as an all-star athlete,” said Bell. “In January and February, I had been pitching, working out and getting excited for the season. Receiving a spot on the team seemed to have rewarded my hard work.”

“I am extremely grateful to have coaches that pushed me and helped me reach the goals I had for myself the past four years. As the severity of COVID increased and our season was cancelled, I am grateful to have the recognition from the all-star organization, even without a senior season.”

Full all-star game rosters can be found at https://www.wfsca.org.

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