Softball adds another Wisconsin native
June 23, 2026 | Softball
Grudzielanek provides pitching depth for Badgers
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin softball head coach Yvette Healy adds another Wisconsin native in the signing of right-handed pitcher Rylie Grudzielanek, announced by coach Healy Tuesday afternoon.
Grudzielanek (pronounced grud-zuh-LAH-nick) hails from Oak Creek, Wis. and comes to Wisconsin after spending three seasons at Northwestern.
"We're thrilled to welcome Riley home to Wisconsin to close out her collegiate career!" Badger head coach Yvette Healy states. "She's a hard throwing pitcher that brings power and experience in the circle. Our in-state players bring an extra level of heart and competitiveness, representing their state on a national state!"
In three years in the circle, Grudzielanek owns a career record of 22-16 in 61 appearances with a 4.86 ERA in 197.1 innings. She's also totaled 11 complete games, including a no-hit shutout on April 22, 2025 against UIC.
Offensively, Grudzielanek has totaled 84 at-bats, getting at-bats primarily her freshman and sophomore years. She adds two doubles, two home runs and 11 RBI to her stat line from the right side.
Prior to Northwestern, the Oak Creek native is a three-time First Team All-State selection (2021, 2022, 2023) for the Oak Creek Knights. In 2021 and 2022 she was named conference Pitcher of the Year, and set the Wisconsin state record with 22 strikeouts in a seven-inning game against Kenosha Bradford/Reuther on April 22, 2022.
Why Wisconsin
"I am so excited to come back home! The high-level culture, athletics and academics is special and I am grateful for the coaching staff for supporting and believing in me since the beginning. I can't wait to get to Madison and finish my career being a Badger!" – Riley Grudzielanek
Grudzielanek (pronounced grud-zuh-LAH-nick) hails from Oak Creek, Wis. and comes to Wisconsin after spending three seasons at Northwestern.
"We're thrilled to welcome Riley home to Wisconsin to close out her collegiate career!" Badger head coach Yvette Healy states. "She's a hard throwing pitcher that brings power and experience in the circle. Our in-state players bring an extra level of heart and competitiveness, representing their state on a national state!"
In three years in the circle, Grudzielanek owns a career record of 22-16 in 61 appearances with a 4.86 ERA in 197.1 innings. She's also totaled 11 complete games, including a no-hit shutout on April 22, 2025 against UIC.
Offensively, Grudzielanek has totaled 84 at-bats, getting at-bats primarily her freshman and sophomore years. She adds two doubles, two home runs and 11 RBI to her stat line from the right side.
Prior to Northwestern, the Oak Creek native is a three-time First Team All-State selection (2021, 2022, 2023) for the Oak Creek Knights. In 2021 and 2022 she was named conference Pitcher of the Year, and set the Wisconsin state record with 22 strikeouts in a seven-inning game against Kenosha Bradford/Reuther on April 22, 2022.
Why Wisconsin
"I am so excited to come back home! The high-level culture, athletics and academics is special and I am grateful for the coaching staff for supporting and believing in me since the beginning. I can't wait to get to Madison and finish my career being a Badger!" – Riley Grudzielanek
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