Packers fall to Winhawks on senior night, but three-sport athlete Hetzel keeps up her hard work
Published 7:38 pm Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Charlee Cunningham attacks a pitch for the Packers. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com
Austin senior Jenna Hetzel holds her position at first base. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com
Adi Cline hauls in a fly ball in right field. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com
Austin senior Jenna Hetzel huddles with the Packer softball team at Todd Park Tuesday. Hetzel, who is a three-sport athlete who is also involved in FFA, has left her mark in Austin. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com
Alondra Torres Munoz slides into second base against Winona in Todd Park Tuesday. Rocky Hulne/sports@austindailyherald.com
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Although the Austin softball team lost to Winona 9-0 on the scoreboard, the Packers found a way to make it a positive night as they celebrated their seniors in Todd Park Tuesday night.
Amongst those seniors was one of the more hard working athletes at AHS as first baseman Jenna Hetzel is not only a three-sport athlete, she is also active in FFA, where she was a cow/calf Reserve Champion at the State Fair last summer.
Hetzel has also competed in the state meet with the Austin Packer Dance Team and she’s been active in tennis as well.
“A lot of kids ask me how I juggle it all, but somehow it works. Being busy has helped with managing a busy schedule and I’ve enjoyed it. When I need to work, I work,” Hetzel said. “It does feel really nice having your hard work show off. With the four years I’ve put in with each sport, it is nice to finish strong in my senior year.”
Hetzel has learned different skills from each of her sports, but most importantly she’s learned the value of hard work and how to work with her teammates and coaches. She’s always been an enthusiastic competitor as she claims her encouraging scream came from her mother.
“My mom and I have the same recognizable scream,” Hetzel said. “Each team has its own thing that makes it work and it’s made me a better person trying to find my groove in each different sport.”
Austin head coach Lisa Lage said that Hetzel’s presence has been big for the Packer softball team.
“Jenna’s a wonderful kid. She sets high expectations for herself and she models that for all of the younger girls,” Lage said. “She is also so welcoming and encouraging on the team. She pushes the older girls to welcome in the younger girls.”
Along with Hetzel, the Packers celebrated seniors Katelynn Klouse, who has competed in the state gymnastics meet, Adi Cline, and Alondra Torres Munoz, who has helped the JV softball players get ready for varsity this spring.
Lage said all of the seniors have been crucial for lifting the program up this spring.
“Katelynn Klouse has grown so much and she’s matured immensely. I don’t think there’s a bigger cheerleader on this team than Katelynn,” Lage said. “She’s so thoughtful and caring, and she plays a great mentorship role. Adi always has a smile, she’s an advocate for the younger girls and she comes and talks to the coaches about things we might not see. Then she goes back to the girls and explains why decisions are made the way they are. Alondra has really helped our younger players along.”
The Winhawks (6-2 overall) scored four runs in the top of the first inning to take control early on. Austin (6-6 overall) only struck twice and it had eight runners reach base in the loss.
Winona 4 0 1 0 2 2 0 – 9 12 1
Austin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 – 0 5 4
Austin pitching: KJ Schaefer (L) 7 IP, 12 H, 1 BB, 9 R, 8 ER, 5 K
Austin hitting: Charlee Cunningham, 1-for-4; Katelynn Klouse, 0-for-2, HBP; Quinn Osgood, 0-for-3; Molly Cass, 1-for-3; Schaefer, 2-for-3; Jenna Hetzel, 0-for-3; Lexi Brede, 0-for-3; Adi Cline, 0-for-3; Lexi Helgeson, 2-for-3; Alondra Torres Munoz, BB
