Abigail Place enters her sixth year as an assistant coach with the UW-Eau Claire softball program in 2026.
In 2026, Place helped lead the Blugolds to a 28-13 record and an 8-6 record in WIAC play. UW-Eau Claire was able to pick up a top-25 win when they defeated #16 UW-Oshkosh 3-0. The Blugolds earned the four-seed for the 2026 WIAC Tournament. Paige Lathrop and Hailey Hagedorn both earned First-Team NFCA All-Region honors while Claire Beck garnered Third-Team accolades. In addition, five members of the team earned All-WIAC awards with Lathrop and Norah Kutnick gathering All-WIAC First-Team nods. Five student-athletes were named to the 2026 CSC Academic All-District.
A former Blugold standout, Place transitioned into her coaching role following a four-year playing career from 2018–21. During her time in Eau Claire, she recorded 119 hits, 76 RBI, and six home runs while posting a .337 career batting average. A consistent presence in the lineup, Place earned All-WIAC honors in both 2019 and 2021, along with second team all-region recognition in 2019.
Since joining the coaching staff, Place has played an integral role in the program’s success. Over her first four seasons, she has helped guide the Blugolds to a WIAC Conference Championship in 2022 and a return to postseason play in 2025. Working primarily with the offense, Place has been a cornerstone in the development and continued growth of the Blugold lineup.
Place graduated from UW-Eau Claire in 2021 with a degree in exercise science. She went on to earn her master’s degree in Sport Coaching and Leadership Administration from Michigan State University in the fall of 2024.
A native of Naperville, Illinois, Place continues to invest in the development of Blugold student-athletes both on and off the field.
