The first half of Audrey Seiler’s high school career has played out exceptionally well.
An IHSAA Class 2A state champion as a freshman. Now a second title as a sophomore. All while being Tecumseh’s ace.
Seiler makes Braves coach Gordon Wood look good — his words. With her at the pitcher’s circle, Tecumseh’s defense can feel at ease. Not to reflect entitlement, but security.
They have all seen greatness from No. 7.
Tecumseh has benefited, and handled, an improved strength of schedule over the years. Wood does not want his team playing against anyone that can’t beat them.
The Braves were unable to win the Warrick County Classic against Castle for several years until the last two. Wood said a lot of that is because of what Seiler’s brought.
“She’s the best pitcher in Southern Indiana, and maybe farther,” Wood said.
You simply could not ignore what Seiler was up to this season, just a special talent who is still scratching the surface of what she can become. Seiler is the Courier & Press All-Southwestern Indiana Player of the Year, as chosen by the sports staff.
Seiler’s sophomore season
Seiler made improvements as a pitcher this season with throws now being fired at a greater velocity. She has also begun to manage her emotions better when pitches don’t go her way — something she admittedly did not do well as a freshman. Seiler went from a 0.77 ERA to 0.65 in year two.
The sophomore has even stepped up as a hitter, becoming one of Tecumseh’s best in 2026. Her numbers rose from a .316 batting average in 2025 to .443 in 2026 while leading the Braves in home runs with six.
“I just worked really hard in the offseason,” Seiler said. “It helped having my sister back also. She caught me in the offseason, so really getting trust with my catcher early helped for sure. Knowing that we had already won once, we could do it again if we put the same amount of work in, especially this year.”
After 2025, Tecumseh lost some talented players to graduation. The team had to work harder than ever to make up for those losses. It was going to be up to Seiler and her experienced teammates to lead the charge.
Seiler knew the Braves had to step up at the plate and defensively with a lot of moving parts being introduced. More than half the team was staying after practice.
It factors into why Wood said this group’s work ethic stood out. They showed a sense of urgency early on to meet a standard.
“Everyone knew that they needed to get better at specific parts of their game to make the team better,” Seiler said. “It’s not easy to find a group that is willing to do that, but once you do, you can definitely make it a long way. I think we have proven that.”
Wood said Seiler’s leadership traits have improved significantly, and she agrees. Coming in as a freshman with established players around you, that process can take some time. But the initiative Seiler showed to be one of the leading voices is telling of who she wants to become.
And as talented and mature as she is, Seiler is coachable as well.
“(Wood) really challenges me to not necessarily go after my personal stats, but more just going out to do what’s best for the team,” Seiler said. “Whether that’s even the other team putting the ball in play, just trusting our outfielders to catch it or trusting our infielders to knock it down. That kind of stuff.”
Another offseason of improvement
After Tecumseh’s repeat state championship win on June 13 against Western Boone, Seiler spent time on a retreat with her traveling team at IMG Academy in Florida. She is surrounded by elite-level talent already committed to the best college programs in the country.
It is a motivating reality, but one that also keeps her grounded. Seiler is not done making improvements. Expect even more come 2027.
“It definitely helps,” Seiler said. “I started playing girls that were already committed to Power Four schools and seniors. Getting to play with them and playing against girls like that has made a huge difference. It’s helped me step up my game.”
Entering 3A next season, the approach does not change for Tecumseh. Seiler said what the Braves have been doing is working. How could you disagree with that?
Wood knows how good he has it as Seiler enters her junior year at Tecumseh. He has seen a lot of talent take the field in Lynnville, but nothing compares to what he has seen from his star pitcher.
SW Indiana Coaches of the Year
Wood is the co-Southwestern Indiana Coach of the Year. The Braves dealt with few complications en route to another state championship win at Bittinger Stadium. Tecumseh’s seven state titles ties Center Grove for the most in IHSAA history.
Josh Huff of Barr-Reeve is the other co-Coach of the Year. The Vikings went from losing the 1A sectional opener last season to a state championship in 2026. It was a remarkable turnaround for Huff’s group that put it all together in his fifth season.
Although some key seniors depart, Barr-Reeve will not experience much roster change going into the 2027 season.
2026 Courier & Press All-Southwestern Indiana Softball Team
Position, Name, School, Year, Avg.
C: Emma Fischer, Heritage Hills, Jr., .473
C: Madison Versteeg, North Posey, Jr., .444
1B: Bailey McWhirter, Tell City, Sr., .537
2B/SS: Laney Scherer, Gibson Southern, Jr., .536
2B/SS: Braelyn Gladish, South Knox, So., .562
3B: Grace Archer, Vincennes Lincoln, Sr., .403
INF: Lily Hester, North Posey, Jr., .447
INF: Breann Harris, Tecumseh, Jr., .486
INF: Ruthee Clark, South Spencer, So., .549
INF: Hallie Knepp, Barr-Reeve, Jr.
OF: Ella Wilkey, Southridge, Sr., .478
OF: Carly Potts, Gibson Southern, Sr., .413
OF: Ayla Elkins, Jasper, Sr., .362
OF: Avery Long, Tecumseh, Jr., .491
Flex: Brianna Barrix, Jasper, Jr., .500
Flex: Addy Phillips, Wood Memorial, Jr., .612
DH: Mia Hagood, Vincennes Lincoln, Jr., .476
DH: Melanie Pfeiffer, Tecumseh, Sr., .427
DH: Shae Bailey, Tecumseh, Sr., .425
P: Audrey Seiler, Tecumseh, So., .65
P: Alaina Allyn, Mount Vernon, Sr., 2.24
P: Mia Clamme, Boonville, Jr.
P: Haley Huff, Barr-Reeve, So.
Player of the Year: Audrey Seiler, Tecumseh
Co-Coaches of the Year: Gordon Wood (Tecumseh) and Josh Huff (Barr-Reeve)
Markos Tsegaye is a sports reporter for the Courier & Press. He can be reached at mtsegaye@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @10_Markos_
This article originally appeared on Evansville Courier & Press: 2026 Courier & Press All-Southwestern Indiana softball Player of the Year, Team
Reporting by Markos Tsegaye, Evansville Courier & Press / Evansville Courier & Press
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By Markos Tsegaye, Evansville Courier & Press | USA TODAY Network
