Monticelli made her professional debut with the Atlanta Smoke of the PSL

Rochester, Minn. — Former Madison Night Mare and LSU Tiger Paytn Monticelli of Cedarburg, Wisconsin made her professional debut with the Atlanta Smoke in the Professional Softball League (PSL) this June making her the first Northwoods League Softball alumnae to make their professional softball debut.

“Paytn was an asset to the Northwoods League both on and off the field during her time with the Madison Night Mares, said Northwoods League Softball President/Commissioner Kathryn Reynolds. “We are so excited for her taking the next step in her softball journey as a professional and believe she is the first of many Northwoods League alums who will continue on as professional softball players.”

As a member of the pitching staff for the 2025 Northwoods League Softball Champion Madison Night Mares, Monticelli had a record of 8-1 with 62 strikeouts and a 3.06 ERA in 52.2 innings pitched. In her senior season at LSU Monticelli was a key member of the Tiger staff with a 9-4 record with a 2.82 ERA in 79.1 innings pitched. She was the SEC Pitcher of the Week one time and helped LSU advance to the NCAA Super Regionals before being eliminated by the #1 overall seed Alabama Crimson Tide.

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Leveraging the 32-year success of the Northwoods League, the first for-profit Summer Collegiate Baseball League, Northwoods League Softball (NWLS) is the first for-profit Women’s Summer Collegiate Softball League that began play in the Upper Midwest in the summer of 2024.  The purpose of the League will be to develop players for their college, Olympic and future professional play.  Teams will be promoted similar to minor league baseball teams, playing games in front of fans in a fun, friendly, family-oriented environment. League games are available to watch on FloSports.tv.