Thursday, March 27, 2025 - Mayville - The Mayville High School varsity softball team is gearing up for another exciting season with Ashley Krueger stepping in as the new head coach. Krueger takes over the program from retired coach Steve Pliner, who led the Cardinals to numerous postseason appearances in the 10 years as head coach, including four Conference Championships, three Regional Championships, one Sectional Championship, and one State Runner-up. With a strong foundation and a history of success, Krueger is ready to build on Mayville’s winning tradition.
Softball has always been a natural fit for Krueger, who played throughout middle school and high school. A Waterloo High School alum, she spent most of her seasons behind the plate as a catcher, developing a deep understanding of the game that now shapes her coaching approach.
“I didn’t play softball in college, but my love for the sport has never went away,” said Krueger.
That love for the sport carried over into her career, as coaching has been a passion for Krueger since her early days in education. “While student teaching at Jefferson High School, I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to be one of the assistant coaches at the JV level,” she shared. “That experience showed me that coaching was something I wanted to pursue alongside my teaching career.”
Krueger joined Mayville’s coaching staff last season as an assistant and quickly became immersed in the program’s culture. “Last year’s season allowed me to learn the pride and goals of the Mayville Softball program. I was part of an amazing coaching staff that showed me what goes into leading a successful team here at Mayville High School.”
With back-to-back conference championships and a strong 2024 season record of (18-5, 12-2), the Cardinals have established themselves as a powerhouse in the region. Last season, they made a deep playoff run before falling to Laconia in the WIAA Division 3 Sectionals. Keeping that momentum going will require the same dedication and teamwork that has defined Mayville Softball.
“Mayville Softball has been incredibly successful throughout the past couple of seasons,” Krueger said. “Our group of seniors know and love the game of softball, and their knowledge of the sport has a huge impact on our other players. Their drive to achieve high goals is what’s going to keep our team striving for success.”
Krueger emphasizes the importance of leadership and sees the senior class as the key to the team’s development. “Our seniors have an incredible drive for success, and I see them being our biggest leaders,” she said. “They know the game so well, and their knowledge will help our other players grow and achieve great things.”
However, for Krueger, success isn’t measured solely by wins and losses. “Success is watching a team grow—not just in skill, but in their support for one another,” she explained. “It’s not just about one player hitting well or making great plays. It’s about seeing the team as a whole strive to improve every day and working together to make each other better.”
With a talented roster, strong leadership, and a coach dedicated to player development, the Cardinals are poised for another competitive season. Fans can expect a team that plays with passion, pride, and the determination to uphold Mayville’s tradition of excellence.
The Cardinals will take their first pitch of the season on the road, traveling to Kettle Moraine Lutheran on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 4:45 p.m.
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