Grand Forks, ND — The Grand Forks Spitfires are proud to announce the first player signing in franchise history, officially welcoming Ally Hetzel to the inaugural 2026 roster.

Hetzel, a catcher and utility player from the University of Washington, brings a strong competitive edge and impressive offensive production to Grand Forks. Originally from Snoqualmie, Washington, Hetzel posted an outstanding .415 batting average, showcasing her consistency and power at the plate.

A freshman standing at 5-foot-5, Hetzel played her high school career at Mount Si High School and will arrive in Grand Forks ready to make an immediate impact both offensively and defensively. Known for her versatility behind the plate and in the field, she embodies the type of athlete the Spitfires are building their foundation around: driven, adaptable, and team-first.

“I’m really excited to play for the Spitfires because it’s an amazing opportunity to grow, compete, and be part of something bigger than myself,” said Hetzel.

As the first player signing in franchise history, Hetzel represents an important milestone for the Spitfires as the organization builds toward its inaugural season. Her commitment marks the beginning of assembling a roster filled with elite talent from across the country.

“Ally is exactly the type of player we want in this program,” said Roberto Lemus, General Manager. “She’s competitive, hardworking, and brings experience from a top program. She represents the values we want this team to be built on, both on the field and in the community, and we’re excited to have her be a part of our inaugural season.”

The Grand Forks Spitfires will begin their inaugural season on June 9, 2026, at Albrecht Field, delivering a new era of summer collegiate softball to the community.

Fans can follow along as more player signings are announced in the coming weeks and secure their seats for Opening Night through Spitfires ticket packages. To stay up to date on the latest player announcements, theme nights, promotions, and everything coming this season, fans are encouraged to visit  SpitfiresSoftball.com and sign up for the official newsletter.