LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Fifty-five student-athletes from 39 different schools have been voted to one of three 2025 NFCA Division III All-America teams, the Association revealed on Wednesday evening during the NCAA Division III Championship banquet in Bloomington, Illinois.
 
As just a sophomore, Makayla Steffes has earned a place in Saint Mary's softball history as only the sixth player to be named a First Team All-American. After being recognized as a Third Team All-American during her freshman year, she made a remarkable leap to claim the prestigious Joan Joyce Utility Player and Pitcher First Team All-American honors.
 
The hometown hero, Steffes has had an outstanding season, becoming the first player in program history to win the Conference Pitcher of the Year award. 
 
She also earned All-Conference honors for the second consecutive year, was named Pitcher of the Week three times, and picked up a Player of the Week award as well, and earned Academic All-District Honors.
 
She has done it on each side of the ball. 
 
As a pitcher, she has recorded 22 wins, 19 complete games, and seven shutouts. She tallied 147 strikeouts, and achieved a career-best 1.77 ERA. On April 5th, she had a career high 15 strikeouts against St. Scholastica and 11 games without giving up a walk.
 
At the plate, she led both the team and the conference with an impressive .425 batting average over 50 games, appearing in every matchup and recording 160 at-bats.

She has driven in 45 runs and leads the team with nine home runs. Additionally, she set a new single-season record with 43 stolen bases.

This special sophomore isn't finished yet, as she plays a key role in leading the Cardinals to their second-ever World Series appearance, set to begin Thursday, May 29th.

They'll open the double-elimination tournament with a 1:30 P.M. matchup against Linfield in Bloomington, Illinois.