Trio of Badgers Named to Big Ten Watch List
January 29, 2026 | Softball
Blomberg, Lewis, and Showalter named to watch list
MADISON, Wis. – Hilary Blomberg, Kendra Lewis and Jackie Showalter of the Wisconsin softball team have been named to the 2026 Softball Watch List, announced by the Big Ten Thursday afternoon.
Junior Hilary Blomberg is familiar face within the Big Ten headlining back-to-back seasons with All-Big Ten honors. The Verona (Wis.) has been a constant in the Badger lineup, always within the top two in batting average, home run, and RBI amongst the team. This season, Blomberg will see more time behind the plate as the team's starting catcher.
All-American Kendra Lewis became just the third National Fastpitch Coach Association (NFCA) All-American in program history a season ago. Lewis earned Third Team honors, leading the team with a .408 batting average, with 39 RBI, .650 slugging percentage and .442 on-base percentage for a combined 1.092 OPS – which set a new Badger record that was held since 2014 by fellow Badger All-American, Chloe Miller. The lefty hitter will see time both in the circle and in the outfield.
Redshirt freshman Jackie Showalter missed all of 2025 due to injury, but will look to make an immediate impact in the lineup this season. Showalter will the Badgers starting first baseman this season.
Wisconsin kicks-off the 2026 campaign at the Paradise Classic in Boca Raton, Fla., hosted by Florida Atlantic (FAU). First pitch is scheduled for 8 am ct on Feb. 6 against Stonehill College.
Junior Hilary Blomberg is familiar face within the Big Ten headlining back-to-back seasons with All-Big Ten honors. The Verona (Wis.) has been a constant in the Badger lineup, always within the top two in batting average, home run, and RBI amongst the team. This season, Blomberg will see more time behind the plate as the team's starting catcher.
All-American Kendra Lewis became just the third National Fastpitch Coach Association (NFCA) All-American in program history a season ago. Lewis earned Third Team honors, leading the team with a .408 batting average, with 39 RBI, .650 slugging percentage and .442 on-base percentage for a combined 1.092 OPS – which set a new Badger record that was held since 2014 by fellow Badger All-American, Chloe Miller. The lefty hitter will see time both in the circle and in the outfield.
Redshirt freshman Jackie Showalter missed all of 2025 due to injury, but will look to make an immediate impact in the lineup this season. Showalter will the Badgers starting first baseman this season.
Wisconsin kicks-off the 2026 campaign at the Paradise Classic in Boca Raton, Fla., hosted by Florida Atlantic (FAU). First pitch is scheduled for 8 am ct on Feb. 6 against Stonehill College.
Players Mentioned
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