MANKATO, MN – Paige Zender is making her way back to her home state as she joins the Habaneros roster. The Rosemount native is currently in her freshman year at Iowa State looking to add the same skill and success she had in high school.

Zender was quite the standout player throughout her seasons at Rosemount High School. With a total of 189 at-bats, she had 65 runs, 17 doubles, and 28 home runs. She also averaged a .417 batting average, an on-base percentage of .500, and a slugging percentage of .809 throughout her three seasons as well. Not only did she produce impressive stats, but she backed them up with two state championships. In 2021, Zender hit the fifth-inning grand slam that essentially clinched Rosemount’s title game victory over Forest Lake. Then in 2023, the first baseman crushed a laser that zoomed over the left-field fence to put Rosemount up 2-1, where they later won the state championship 6-1 over Forest Lake.

While she only has 7 games under her belt at Iowa State, Zender is looking to bring her championship mentality to both the Cyclones and Habaneros lineup. As she takes this next step in her softball career, Zender’s blend of power hitting, and clutch performances is poised to make a significant impact. With her proven track record of success, both individually and as part of championship-winning teams, Zender will bring talent and determination to the Habaneros roster.

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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.