COLBY, Kan. – The 2025 Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference softball season is officially underway with Hutchinson Community College players Bailey Backhaus and Aubree Thomas sweeping the first KJCCC Division 1 Softball Player of the Week awards.

Bailey Backhaus  – Hutchinson (KJCCC Division 1 Softball Player of the Week)
Sophomore shortstop Bailey Backhaus went four-for-eight with a double, one run scored, two RBI, and four stolen bases in number 22 Hutchinson's season-opening doubleheader sweep of Western Oklahoma State on Saturday afternoon. Backhaus had three hits in Game one, including a two-run double to help the Blue Dragons win 6-3 in the season opener. 

Aubree Thomas  – Hutchinson (KJCCC Division 1 Softball Pitcher of the Week)
Making her collegiate debut, Aubree Thomas tossed six shutout innings in number 22 Hutchinson's 4-1 win in Game two of a season-opening road doubleheader at Western Oklahoma State. Thomas scattered just four hits and didn't face more than four batters in any single inning. The freshman struck out three and walked only one over her six innings while fielding her position flawlessly with three assists in three defensive chances. 

Other Players Nominated:
Chloe Enslinger - Barton
Josie Oakley – Dodge City

Other Pitchers Nominated:
Meleia Ingram - Barton