The key player behind the “CinderPella” 2025 championship run of the Dutch is making waves to begin her collegiate softball career.

Emma Eekhoff was named the NJCAA Softball Pitcher of the Week on Wednesday after leading the Indian River State College Pioneers to three wins, with 33 strikeouts in 18 innings. She’s tallied 35 innings total and 59 strikeouts, with opponents hitting just .175 against her. Additionally, Emma has hit a home run in five plate appearances. The Pioneers are 12-2 overall to start their 2026 spring season.

Eekhoff is starting her collegiate career after leading the Pella girls to one of the most improbable title chases in state history, earning All-Tournament Team Captain and First Team All-State honors last summer, fueling the Dutch to the school’s first-ever state softball championship. Additionally, Emma was an All-Tournament team volleyball player in her senior season for the Dutch.