GRAND FORKS — Grand Forks' new Northwoods League softball team will be called the Spitfires, the group announced Tuesday at UND's Pollard Center.

The other finalists for the nickname were Flying Aces, Spudniks, Sweet Beets, Voodoo and Wingnuts.

The Grand Forks softball team is planning its inaugural season for the summer of 2026. The team will play at UND's Albrecht Field, home of the Fighting Hawks' softball team.

The Spitfires nickname was submitted by well-known, former UND professor Frank White, who retired from the university two years ago after 34 years of teaching at the school.

The Spitfires name is a nod to the Grand Forks Air Force Base and UND's reputation in aviation, as well as the Grand Forks community's tough resolve.

A Spitfire is a British single-seat fighter aircraft

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