The week of July 19-25 highlighted the exciting outcomes of the 2026 IGHSAU state softball tournament in Fort Dodge, featuring notable victories from various teams. Waukee Northwest secured their 5A title again, with Adel-Desoto-Minburn winning their first 4A championship, and Grand View Christian taking home the 2A title in their inaugural tournament appearance. Individual performances shone as athletes competed fiercely for the Des Moines Register's Athlete of the Week honors. Fans are encouraged to vote for their favorite standout player among several impressive candidates, each contributing significant achievements during the tournament.

By the Numbers
  • Waukee Northwest and Clarksville claimed respective 5A and 1A state titles, repeating their championship wins.
  • Grand View Christian won the 2A title in its first-ever state tournament appearance.
  • Maxwell had a stellar performance, including a 3-for-3 title game with a home run and two RBIs.
  • Bird hit three home runs, including a grand slam to tie the state title game before winning 7-6.
  • Schlader pitched a two-hitter with nine strikeouts in the 5A championship game.
State of Play
  • Multiple teams secured championships, showcasing competitive high school softball in Iowa.
  • Individual players presented standout performances, contributing to their teams' successes.
  • The fan-voted Athlete of the Week campaign is in progress, driven by readers' engagement.
What's Next

Voting for the Des Moines Register's female Athlete of the Week will conclude soon, with the winners to be announced at the end of the week. Continued recognition of remarkable athletic performances will foster community engagement and highlight local talent.

Bottom Line

The accomplishments of the athletes during the state tournament not only demonstrate their individual skills but also the competitive spirit of high school softball in the region. This week's highlights are a celebration of teamwork, dedication, and fan support as local talent is recognized.