Grand Forks Spitfires named Northwoods League Softball Organization of the Year

Korrie Wenzel / Grand Forks Herald By Herald Sports Desk Today at 8:53 AM Listen Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? GRAND FORKS — The Spitfires have continued to pick up wins in the offseason. Grand Forks' Northwoods League Softball team has received four honors following its inaugural season, including Organization of the Year. ADVERTISEMENT "It is an absolute honor to receive this award," general manager Roberto Lemus said in a release. "Our inaugural season was far from easy. We faced significant challenges and adversity, but through it all, we remained committed to building something special and delivering an unforgettable experience for everyone who walked through our gates." The honors, voted on by team officials, were awarded during the 2026 Northwoods League Fall Meetings. Spitfires Sparks was named Community Program of the Year. The program, in partnership with Valley Senior Living, brought a cheerleading squad of senior residents to Albrecht Field during games this season. Contributed Grand Forks earned Promotion of the Year thanks to a partnership with Widman's Candy Shop. 'Chip Chip Hooray' offered free Chippers — Widman's chocolate-covered potato chips — when the team reached certain scoring milestones during home games. The Spitfires staff also earned an individual award, as Gabby Knopik was named Most Valuable Team Member. ADVERTISEMENT Knopik is Grand Forks' assistant general manager. Her responsibilities include marketing, sponsorships and game-day operations. "It's an incredible honor to be recognized by colleagues across the league, especially following our inaugural season," Knopik said. "I'm proud of the heart and hard work we put into bringing Spitfires softball to Grand Forks." Eric Hylden / Grand Forks Herald Grand Forks hosted this year's fall meetings, which brought the league's softball and baseball leadership from 32 other teams to the three-day conference. Wausau Ignite general manager Brianne Barta was named the Executive of the Year. The Spitfires just missed out on the Northwoods League Softball championship series in their first season, finishing third among six teams. Led by head coach Aaron Alvarez, Grand Forks compiled a 20-20 record with a roster featuring collegiate players from across the country. Alvarez will return as the Spitfires' head coach in their second season. ADVERTISEMENT "This award belongs to all of you," Lemus said. "It is a tremendous honor, and it only motivates us to keep building, keep improving and make the seasons ahead even more special." Eric Hylden / Grand Forks Herald More Spitfires news Grand Forks Spitfires head coach Aaron Alvarez returns for 2027 season Oct 2 Comments Share Share this article News Reporting News Reporting Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. The Trust Project What is this? Tags Tags GRAND FORKS SPITFIRES SOFTBALL COLLEGE SOFTBALL By Herald Sports Desk Staff reports and local scoreboards from the Grand Forks Herald Sports desk. Listen to this article Conversation ADVERTISEMENT What To Read Next Sports Kolpack: An ode to Bill Sorensen and the glory days of boxing Nov 3 · By Jeff Kolpack Sports Combat Cardio Club fighters prepare for hometown boxing tournament Oct 30 · By Alex Faber Sports Feeney family's football legacy explored in latest ‘Midwest Made’ episode Oct 23 · By Drew Trafton ADVERTISEMENT Get Local Must Reads College MonDak Football Show: Week 11 42m ago · By Staff reports Local Honoring Grand Forks native who helped raise first flag at Iwo Jima 1h ago · By Pamela Knudson Local James Wold Papers at UND offer an opportunity to help find POWs, MIAs 1h ago · By Delaney Otto Community Today in History: Nov. 11, 1996 - Through a soldier's eyes 8h ago · By Staff reports