Steam Roster Continues to Take Shape With Addition of Talented Freshman 

Standout From UNC Pembroke Comes to La Crosse

LA CROSSE, WIS.– As February draws to a close, the La Crosse Steam are excited to announce the next addition to the roster with catcher and corner infielder Makayla Etling.

Etling, a freshman with the University of North Carolina – Pembroke Braves, started off her college career in a hot way, hitting a pinch hit grand-slam in her first collegiate at bat in a 12-4 victory against Davis and Elkins. Through her first 21 plate appearances, she has recorded eight hits, including two triples and a home run, to go along with ten runs batted in and four base on balls.

Hailing from Scottdale, Pennsylvania, Etling looks to follow up a successful high school career at Southmoreland High School, where she was named the team’s offensive MVP under coach Todd Brunner. Etling, who has experience at first base, third base, and catcher, looks to continue her hot start for the Braves and carry that momentum into the 2026 summer.

The countdown to summer softball is on. The Steam kick off the 2026 campaign on Wednesday, June 10 at Copeland Park, welcoming the Wausau Ignite to La Crosse for Opening Night. Season tickets, group outings, and flexible ticket packages are on sale now. Fans can lock in their seats by visiting lacrossesteam.com or calling the Steam ticket office at (608) 796-9553. The Steam front office is located at 1225 Caledonia Street in 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.