Waterville, ME: SUNY Cobleskill softball standout Gabriella Wendelken (Stuyvesant, NY/Ichabod Crane) has been named the 2025 North Atlantic Conference (NAC) Softball Rookie of the Year, following a breakout first-year campaign that saw her shine in every facet of the game.

Wendelken made an immediate impact for the Tigers, showcasing her all-around talent as a true utility player. Whether anchoring first base, making plays in the outfield, taking command in the pitcher's circle, or delivering at the plate, she proved to be one of the most dynamic players in the conference.

Head Coach Morgan Flamholtz praised Wendelken's Rookie of the Year honor.

"I knew that Gabby would make an impact right away in our program, but I am blown away with how much she has accomplished in one year," said Flamholtz. "We knew that she would be effective in the circle, but what she accomplished offensively and defensively helped lead to our team's success. I am very excited to see her continue to excel in the next few years."

Offensively, Wendelken led the team with a .396 batting average and a 1.095 OPS. She collected 36 hits, including 12 doubles, a triple, and a home run, while driving in 21 RBIs and scoring 34 runs. Her .582 slugging percentage and .513 on-base percentage helped fuel the Tigers' lineup all season long.

In the circle, she posted an 8-4 record with a 4.41 ERA and a team-high 75 strikeouts. She was dominant in NAC play, going 3-0 during the regular season with 36 strikeouts over 25 innings, ranking second in the conference in total strikeouts, top ten in innings pitched, and top five in wins.

Wendelken was also a defensive anchor. She recorded 131 total chances with 110 putouts, 18 assists, and a .977 fielding percentage. In NAC action, she was flawless—maintaining a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage and ranking among the league's top two in double plays turned.

Across the conference in regular-season play, Wendelken finished in the top five in batting average (.427), slugging percentage (.640), on-base percentage (.527), doubles (13), and walks (15), and top three in runs scored (27). Among all NAC rookies, she led in strikeouts, strikeouts looking, and total wins. She also ranked second in runs scored and doubles, and third in total hits.

Her numbers earned recognition on the national stage as well, ranking in the top 50 in all of NCAA Division III in both on-base percentage and doubles per game.

Wendelken's all-around dominance was backed by weekly accolades throughout the year. She was named NAC Rookie of the Week three times, NAC Pitcher of the Week once, and NAC Player of the Week once—all within the first six weeks of the season.