Steam Announces First Player Signing of 2026

Makarewicz Returns for 3rd Season

LA CROSSE, WIS. — As the 2026 softball season approaches, the La Crosse Steam are excited to announce the return of catcher Avary Makarewicz, who will suit up for her third season with the organization.

Makarewicz (UT Martin) returns to La Crosse following an outstanding 2025 campaign in the Northwoods League. She led the Steam in both batting average (.365) and hits (42), while ranking fourth in the league in home runs (9) and second in RBIs (46). Her summer was highlighted by winning the 2025 Northwoods League Home Run Challenge and earning Rawlings “Finest in the Field” honors at catcher.

A native of Ripon, Wisconsin, Makarewicz will join the Steam after completing her senior season at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where she has been a key contributor behind the plate.

The Steam open the 2026 season on Wednesday, June 10, at Copeland Park, hosting the Wausau Ignite. Season tickets, group outings, and flex plans are on sale now. For ticket information, visit www.lacrossesteam.com or call the Steam ticket office at (608) 796-9553. The Steam front office is located at 1225 Caledonia Street, La Crosse, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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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 which 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.