UW-Stout's Payton Dolecki Claims DIII Gold Glove Honor

MENOMONIE — Payton Dolecki, a senior at UW-Stout, received an exciting surprise while enjoying a typical Thursday afternoon with her sisters. As she watched the Women's College World Series, her softball coach, Lakyn Krizan, sent her an unexpected text in all caps: “You got the Gold Glove.” Dolecki initially thought it was a joke, responding, “Shut up. No, I didn’t.”

Dolecki, who plays center field for the Blue Devils, has made history as the first player from UW-Stout softball to be awarded the NCAA Division III Rawlings Gold Glove Award, presented by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association. She achieved this recognition after completing an error-free season, which included 60 putouts and 10 assists. “I didn’t know until I read the article,” she said, reflecting on her groundbreaking achievement. “I was just like, ‘Wow.’”

Defensive excellence is a core part of Dolecki's game. “If my offense wasn’t on, I try to make my defense be the better of the two for that game or that day,” she explained, emphasizing her desire to support her pitchers. Dolecki honed her skills during her youth on a travel team, where she was mentored by future Northwestern player Angela Zedak. “Her mentality was like ‘I don’t care, I’m getting everything and going 110% for every single ball,” Dolecki recalled.

Throughout her four years at Stout, she has maintained an impressive .989 fielding percentage, tying her for second in the school's history, with her flawless 2026 season ranking as the seventh in the program's history. Her defensive prowess extended to her arm, as she recorded 10 outfield assists, notably throwing out the potential game-winning run against UW-Oshkosh and the tying run in a matchup against Buena Vista. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen my assistant coach more excited and hyped in his entire life,” she said regarding her throw against Buena Vista.

Dolecki's defensive skills have also positively influenced her performance at the plate. “It makes me just feel like I’m contributing to the team,” she noted, highlighting how her defensive efforts boost her confidence. This season, she posted a .350 batting average with a .468 slugging percentage, earning All-WIAC Honorable Mention honors. In her junior year, she received First Team All-WIAC recognition and was an honorable mention as a sophomore.

Looking ahead, Dolecki believes her Gold Glove achievement reflects the positive trajectory of the UW-Stout softball program. “This program is going in such a better direction,” she said. “Especially with Coach Lak, she’s made us become better people and better players, and made us really work as a family and as one. It’s not just one person’s game, it’s everybody’s game.”