Forty area girls were named to play in the Minnesota Selects All Star weekend for Fastpitch Softball at Sunshine Park in Andover Aug. 13-15.

The youngsters were selected by their coaches, who were allowed to select two athletes from their squads. The criteria for being selected was skill, enthusiasm for the game, and good sportsmanship.

The lady athletes joined over 500 other girls from around the state, making up over 40 teams for the special all-star weekend. The teams were mixed with girls from all different areas giving them a chance to make friends, learn new techniques and just enjoy playing a game they love!  Stephanie Maurer, a Becker Blast coach, had volunteered at the event as one of the 10U (ages 10 and under) team coaches.

USA Softball Selects is a program that celebrates the players that best exemplify conduct, character and community. Check-in and opening ceremonies began on Aug.13 and three scheduled games and evaluations were held on the 14th and 15th.

The players — along with their team — were evaluated on speed, arm, bat, strength, game report, scouting report, skill testing, player profile and recruitment locker.

In the 10U category, Jessica Osowski of Big Lake played on team #6, Charlotte Cox and Peighton Tucker of Zimmerman played on team #5, Brooke Kampsen of Monticello played on team #3, Danika Holscher of Big Lake played on team #7, Maggie Benton of Monticello played on team #8, Monika Novitzki of Monticello  and Katelyn Wipper of Clear Lake played on team #13, Jaedynn Ordorff of Monticello played on team #10, Brielle Waite of Big Lake, Autumn Larson of Becker and Brynn Luethmers of Becker played on team #11 and Audrey Carlson of Big Lake, Alyra Martell of Becker and Aubree Gardner of Becker played on team #12.

In the 12U category, Lauren Ulven of Big Lake played on team #5, Madelynn Wilson of Big Lake played on team #8, Payton Treptau of Clear Lake played on team #7, Isabella Hunter of Monticello and Sophie Humphrey of Becker played on team #4, Madilyn Tucker and Kaylee Martinez of Zimmerman played on team #10, Grace Foradory of Clear Lake played on team #16 and London Zilka and Syren Bystrom of Monticello played on team #15.

In 14U, Cally Jungels of Monticello played on team #2, Makenna Morrell of Zimmerman played on team #6, Allison Fitzgibbons of Big Lake played on team #7, Tatum White of Big Lake played on team #9, Jacqueline Neumann of Becker and Kamrynn Tschritter of Big Lake played on team #4, Taylor Marcus and Ellie Koprek of Monticello played on team #3 and Elle Bouten of Zimmerman, Katlyn Baron of Big Lake and Lauren Bagne of Big Lake played on team #5.

In the 16/18U category, Sydnie Loftus of Big Lake played on team #1, Grace Knodle of Big Lake played on team #2 and Lillian Marberg of Zimmerman played on team #4.