Photo by: Jack McLaughlin
Six Badgers receive All-Big Ten awards
May 09, 2018 | Softball
Jenkins, Hestekin, Wyderski, Menz, Johnson and Arents honored by conference
MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin softball team has a lot to be proud of after a solid 2018 season. The list of things to celebrate grew longer Wednesday afternoon as the conference awarded six Badgers Big Ten honors, the most the program has ever had in a single season.
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Senior Kelsey Jenkins was named to the All-Big Ten first team, senior Brooke Wyderski and freshman Haley Hestekin were named to the All-Big Ten second team, while Hestekin and fellow freshman Taylor Johnson earned spots on the All-Freshman team. Sophomore Kaitlyn Menz was named to the All-Defensive team and senior Samantha Arents was recognized as the team's Big Ten Sportsmanship honoree.
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Jenkins earned a spot on the All-Big Ten first team for the third time in her career. The senior standout finished the regular season first in the league in batting average (.420) and on-base percentage (.578). Her stellar on-base percentage also ranks fifth nationally. The second baseman also racked up a team-high 42 runs, 55 hits, and 44 walks this season. She is the program's all-time leader in career runs (179) and walks (180) and has started in every game in her for years as a Badger. Jenkins was also named Justin's World of Softball Big Ten Player of the Year.
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For the second year in a row, Wyderski was named to the All-Big Ten second team. In her two seasons as a Badger, the Justice, Illinois native has accumulated 114 hits, 36 doubles, 84 RBI and 12 home runs. This season she led the team with 40 RBI and 89 total bases while starting at shortstop in all 47 games.
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In her rookie season, Hestekin has proven herself as one of the conference's top pitchers. The Kaukauna, Wisconsin native earned spots on the All-Big Ten second team and All-Freshman team after finishing the regular season with a 16-6 record and a team-best 1.97 ERA. Eight of her wins came against conference opponents.
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Johnson also had a stellar rookie season, proving herself as a mainstay in both the infield and batting order. The third baseman blasted a team-high seven homers throughout the regular season with five of them coming during Big Ten play. She has also tallied an impressive 32 runs, 40 hits, and 27 RBI.
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After earning All-Big Ten second team honors a season ago, Menz drew a spot on the All-Defensive team thanks to her outstanding abilities in the circle. The sophomore finished the season with a 3.18 ERA and was a key force in UW's ranked-win over No. 6 Auburn earlier this season. Â
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Arents was chosen for the Sportsmanship Award, which is given to student-athletes who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. Arents has been the definition of a great teammate and has defined what it means to exemplify sportsmanship.
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Senior Kelsey Jenkins was named to the All-Big Ten first team, senior Brooke Wyderski and freshman Haley Hestekin were named to the All-Big Ten second team, while Hestekin and fellow freshman Taylor Johnson earned spots on the All-Freshman team. Sophomore Kaitlyn Menz was named to the All-Defensive team and senior Samantha Arents was recognized as the team's Big Ten Sportsmanship honoree.
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ÂFirst-team teammate.
— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) May 9, 2018
First-team leader.
First-team player.
First-team All-Big Ten.
Congratulations to the #Badgers' Kelsey Jenkins! pic.twitter.com/Wn0AvG8Bjp
Jenkins earned a spot on the All-Big Ten first team for the third time in her career. The senior standout finished the regular season first in the league in batting average (.420) and on-base percentage (.578). Her stellar on-base percentage also ranks fifth nationally. The second baseman also racked up a team-high 42 runs, 55 hits, and 44 walks this season. She is the program's all-time leader in career runs (179) and walks (180) and has started in every game in her for years as a Badger. Jenkins was also named Justin's World of Softball Big Ten Player of the Year.
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ÂCongratulations to Brooke Wyderski! ???? pic.twitter.com/RUF2BelgX9
— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) May 9, 2018
For the second year in a row, Wyderski was named to the All-Big Ten second team. In her two seasons as a Badger, the Justice, Illinois native has accumulated 114 hits, 36 doubles, 84 RBI and 12 home runs. This season she led the team with 40 RBI and 89 total bases while starting at shortstop in all 47 games.
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In her rookie season, Hestekin has proven herself as one of the conference's top pitchers. The Kaukauna, Wisconsin native earned spots on the All-Big Ten second team and All-Freshman team after finishing the regular season with a 16-6 record and a team-best 1.97 ERA. Eight of her wins came against conference opponents.
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ÂB1G congrats to freshman @hmhestekin!
— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) May 9, 2018
Not one... but TWO awards in her rookie season! pic.twitter.com/rnIlMKj3kc
Johnson also had a stellar rookie season, proving herself as a mainstay in both the infield and batting order. The third baseman blasted a team-high seven homers throughout the regular season with five of them coming during Big Ten play. She has also tallied an impressive 32 runs, 40 hits, and 27 RBI.
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ÂGO TJ! THAT'S OUR TJ! pic.twitter.com/TmqawtaA42
— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) May 9, 2018
After earning All-Big Ten second team honors a season ago, Menz drew a spot on the All-Defensive team thanks to her outstanding abilities in the circle. The sophomore finished the season with a 3.18 ERA and was a key force in UW's ranked-win over No. 6 Auburn earlier this season. Â
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ÂHardwork ??
— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) May 9, 2018
Perseverance ??
Determination ??
Clutch ??
All the makings of a perfect All-Defensive All-Big Ten selection. Congrats to @Kaitlyn_Menz! pic.twitter.com/oo5O6Hmaa5
Arents was chosen for the Sportsmanship Award, which is given to student-athletes who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. Arents has been the definition of a great teammate and has defined what it means to exemplify sportsmanship.
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ÂAn incredible teammate and an even better person... Congrats Sam Arents! #Badgers || #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/qnrOnZN48k
— Wisconsin Softball (@BadgerSoftball) May 9, 2018
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