Emma Eekhoff from Pella was the 2026 recipient of the Jack North Award, and was honored at this week’s state softball tournament. The Jack North Award is presented each year to the outstanding performer from the previous year’s State Softball Tournament. Her performance earned her a spot as captain of the Class 4A All-Tournament Team, leading Pella to the 2025 Class 4A State Championship as the No. Eekhoff combined for 16 strikeouts in the three games at state last year as a pitcher against No. This past spring, Emma pitched 157 1/3 innings for Indian River, striking out 210 batters and posting a 1.38 ERA.