Softball: RCW Jaguars Rely on Ace Pitcher Mackenna Hinderks

Junior standout leads the way for the Jaguars with her dominant pitching and potent bat

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:06am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a softball game, with the players and field broken down into overlapping planes of vibrant navy blue, gold, and white colors, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.The RCW Jaguars' star pitcher Mackenna Hinderks leads her team with a dynamic, multi-faceted performance on the diamond.Danube Today

Mackenna Hinderks, an All-Area First Team selection, returns for her junior season as the ace pitcher for the Renville County West (RCW) softball team. Hinderks broke the school record for most strikeouts in a game last season and is also a force at the plate, hitting .426 with 25 RBIs. RCW will be led by new head coach Pamela Winzenburg, who takes over for Dean Ehlebracht.

Why it matters

Hinderks' return as the Jaguars' star pitcher and hitter gives RCW a strong foundation as they look to improve on last season's 6-11 record. The Jaguars will rely heavily on Hinderks' performance in the circle and at the plate to compete in the Camden Conference.

The details

As a junior, Hinderks went 6-8 with 168 strikeouts over 91-2/3 innings pitched. She broke the school record for most strikeouts in a game with 18 against Hancock on April 17. Hinderks was also a force at the plate, hitting .426 with a .889 slugging percentage, 25 RBIs, and 14 runs scored.

  • Hinderks broke the school record for most strikeouts in a game on April 17, 2025.
  • The 2026 softball season is set to begin in the spring.

The players

Mackenna Hinderks

A junior pitcher and hitter for the RCW Jaguars, Hinderks is one of the top players in the area and a returning All-Area First Team selection.

Pamela Winzenburg

The new head coach of the RCW Jaguars, replacing Dean Ehlebracht after he was at the helm for one season.

Ella Gustafson

A senior catcher and shortstop for the RCW Jaguars who missed most of last season due to injury.

Maddy Engstrom

A senior infielder for the RCW Jaguars.

Annette Carlson

A junior infielder for the RCW Jaguars.

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What they’re saying

“'We are hopeful that next year there will be more of a mixed roster.'”

— Pamela Winzenburg, Head Coach, RCW Jaguars

What’s next

The RCW Jaguars will begin their 2026 season in the spring, looking to build around star pitcher and hitter Mackenna Hinderks and improve on last year's 6-11 record.

The takeaway

With the return of ace pitcher Mackenna Hinderks, the RCW Jaguars have a strong foundation to compete in the Camden Conference this season. Hinderks' dominant pitching and potent bat will be crucial as the team looks to take a step forward under new head coach Pamela Winzenburg.