Utility Infielder Back for 2026 Season
VandeVelde Returns For Another Year
LA CROSSE, WIS. – The La Crosse Steam are pleased to announce the return of another important contributor from the 2025 roster as the team continues to build toward the 2026 season.
Sam VandeVelde will return to La Crosse following the completion of her sophomore season at Concord University in Athens, West Virginia. VandeVelde appeared in 31 games during the 2025 campaign, seeing action at second base, third base, and shortstop, and is expected to once again provide reliable defense throughout the infield.
Offensively, VandeVelde delivered steady production in the lineup. In 65 at-bats, she recorded two home runs—tied for third on the team—and added three stolen bases. The Mazon, Illinois native looks to carry that momentum into another strong summer with the Steam in 2026.
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.
