“Making Her-story”:  Women’s Summer Collegiate Softball Coming to Copeland Park in 2024

La Crosse to Be Part of Inaugural Season

LA CROSSE, WIS. – A new brand is coming to the Northwoods in 2024 and La Crosse, Wisc. will be a part of history when Copeland Park helps usher in the first Women’s Summer Collegiate Softball League.  La Crosse owner Dan Kapanke announced at a press conference at Copeland Park today that La Crosse will be an inaugural participant in the Northwoods Women’s Summer Collegiate Softball League beginning play in 2024.

“I believe this announcement is one of the most significant developments in women’s collegiate athletics in a long time,” exclaimed La Crosse owner Dan Kapanke.  “We are excited to be on the cutting edge of something that is going to be very special.”

Leveraging the 30-year success of the Northwoods League, the first for-profit Summer Collegiate Baseball League, Northwoods League Softball (NWLS) will be the first for-profit Women’s Summer Collegiate Softball League.  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.

Northwoods League Softball president Kathryn Reynolds is excited about La Crosse leading the way.  “We’re thrilled for La Crosse to be announced as the first Northwoods League Softball location. Dan Kapanke and his team have been a driving force behind the formation of Northwoods League Softball. La Crosse has been an asset to Northwoods League Baseball for many years and we’re so excited for the opportunity to build on their strong foundation to be a leader in summer collegiate softball.”

Much like the baseball circuit, all softball players who have college eligibility remaining will be eligible to play in the Northwoods Softball League as well as select graduated high school players who have been admitted to college.

A 40-game season will begin in mid-June and run until early August.  Recruitment of the inaugural La Crosse softball team will begin immediately.

Fans can get involved in La Crosse’s newest team in a variety of ways including submitting a team name for consideration as the team is conducting a “Name the Team Contest” where submissions can be entered beginning today at www.laxsoftball.com.  Submissions will be accepted through November 3 after which time the selection of five team name finalists will be unveiled and put up for a fan vote online.  The fan that submits the winning team name will receive two free season tickets for the inaugural 2024 season and the opportunity to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at a game next summer.

Fans may also find ticket, partnership, host family and employment information at www.laxsoftball.com or by calling 608-796-9553.  La Crosse Softball operations will also share office headquarters with the Loggers baseball club and Copeland Park & Events Center at 1225 Caledonia Street, La Crosse with office hours open 8:30-5, Monday through Friday on La Crosse’s northside.

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Leveraging the 30-year success of the Northwoods League, the first for-profit Summer Collegiate Baseball League, Northwoods League Softball (NWLS) will be the first for-profit Women’s Summer Collegiate Softball League beginning 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.