FORT DODGE, Iowa — Florida Gulf Coast University softball incoming pitcher and Pella, Iowa, native, Emma Eekhoff was presented with the Jack North Award on Thursday, July 23, by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union during the 2026 Iowa state softball tournament at Rogers Park.

The Jack North Award is presented annually by the IGHSAU to honor the outstanding senior performer from the previous year’s state tournament. Named in memory of the former IGHSAU information director, the honor recognizes top individual excellence on Iowa’s biggest prep stage.

Eekhoff earned the distinction following an improbable Cinderella run with eighth-seeded Pella High School to capture the 2025 Iowa Class 4A state title. En route to the championship, Pella knocked off top-seeded Cedar Rapids Xavier 5–1 in the quarterfinals, edged No. 5 ADM 2–1 in the semifinals, and secured the crown with a 4–2 victory over No. 3 North Polk.

Across those three state tournament games, Eekhoff surrendered just four runs in 21 innings while striking out 16 batters. She was equally impactful at the plate, hitting two home runs during the tournament run.

Because Eekhoff spent the 2025–26 collegiate season pitching in Florida—anchoring the staff at Indian River State College before committing to FGCU earlier this month—the formal presentation was held on the field between games at Fort Dodge.

Following her prep career in Iowa—the nation’s only state that plays high school softball during the summer—Eekhoff transitioned to the collegiate ranks, earning NJCAA Division I National Pitcher of the Week honors during a 19-win freshman season at Indian River State.

Eekhoff joins the Eagles with four years of remaining athletic eligibility under the NCAA’s Division I five-year model, strengthening an FGCU pitching staff that continues to build depth ahead of the spring season.