La Crosse Steam Bring Back Junior Outfielder

Birling Back for Second Season

LA CROSSE, WIS. – The La Crosse Steam are excited to welcome back junior outfielder Madelyn Birling for her second year with the organization ahead of the upcoming Northwoods League Softball season.

A native of Appleton, Wisconsin, Birling will enter her third summer competing in the Northwoods League, bringing valuable experience to the Steam roster. After spending the 2024 season with Mankato, Birling joined La Crosse for the 2025 season and established herself as a reliable presence in the lineup and in the outfield.

During the 2025 season with the Steam, Birling appeared in 20 games, reaching base at a .351 rate while providing steady defense. Her versatility across all outfield positions allowed the Steam to utilize her in a variety of roles, making her an important piece of the roster throughout the summer.

Birling returns to La Crosse following the conclusion of her season at John Melvin Christian College in Florida. Birling looks to build upon her 2025 performance while continuing her development both on and off the field.

Birling and the Steam will 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. Fans can secure tickets by visiting lacrossesteam.com or by 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.