The University of Wisconsin’s Michelle Mueller (LaCrosse, Wis.) knocked in 18 RBI and recorded a .600 batting average this past weekend to earn the USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Week award.  A senior third basemen, she had a career week for the Badger softball team, helping the Badgers go 5-0 at home.

“I’m so honored,” Mueller said. “It’s something that would not have been possible if it weren’t for my teammates. Their ability to get on base and to create chaos offensively gave me a great opportunity to be successful. Without them I wouldn’t be getting this award. I’m so thankful to be surrounded by great teammates and a fantastic coaching staff.”

Mueller hit four home runs, two doubles, collected 18 RBI and hit .600. She also tallied an on base percentage of .588 during the week and a slugging percentage of 1.533.

In UW’s 17-1 win over North Dakota in the second game of their doubleheader, Mueller hit a grand slam, the first of her career, and also recorded seven RBI as the Badgers tied a school record with 17 runs in a single game.

Mueller continued her hot streak into Wisconsin’s second game of a doubleheader versus Illinois, as the senior hit three consecutive home runs and collected eight RBI, setting a Wisconsin record for most RBI in a single contest. Mueller’s three consecutive home runs are tied for the second-most in NCAA history, and her three home runs in a single game tied the school record.

“We are so proud of Michelle,” said Wisconsin head coach Yvette Healy.  “It is a big honor for the university and the softball program. She is a great Wisconsin kid that has grown into an amazing player within our program. To do this at the national level for a player like her means a lot to our program. It shows that we can compete on a national level with some great players from across the country but especially with our homegrown Wisconsin kids.”

2014 USA Softball National Collegiate Players of the Week

Week 1 (Feb. 6-9): Kylee Lahners – Washington – Junior – Infielder– Laguna Hills, Calif.

Week 2 (Feb. 10 -16): Aimee Creger – Tulsa – Senior – Pitcher– Yukon, Okla.

Week 3 (Feb. 17-23): Ally Carda – UCLA – Junior – Pitcher – Elk Grove, Calif.

Week 4 (Feb. 24 – March 2): Cheridan Hawkins – Oregon – Sophomore – Anderson, Calif.

Week 5 (March 3-9): Dallas Escobedo – Arizona State – Senior – Pitcher– Glendale, Ariz.

Week 6 (March 10-16): Alex Hugo – Georgia – Sophomore – Infielder – Olathe, Kan.

Week 7 (March 17-23): Jaclyn Traina – Alabama – Senior – Pitcher – Naples, Fla.

Week 8 (March 24 – 30): Ellen Renfroe – Tennessee – Senior – Pitcher – Jackson, Tenn.

Week 9 (March 31 – April 6): Katiyana Mauga – Arizona – Freshman – Outfielder – San Diego, Calif.

Week 10 (April 7 – 13): Michelle Mueller – Wisconsin – Senior –Third Base – LaCrosse, Wis.