Ethen to continue athletic journey at Carthage

April 2, 2024

By Jon Feyen

Most athletes love their experience playing high school sports. A select few have the talent and drive to extend their career even longer. Caitlyn Ethen will be one of those special players after recently committing to Carthage College, an NCAA Division III school in Wisconsin.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing basketball in college – now I can’t even believe it’s a reality,” Ethen said. “I knew that I couldn’t stop playing basketball after 12 years just because high school was over.”

Last month in the regional championship game, Ethen carried Glenbrook North to victory with 17 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks. … READ MORE

Pieper finds new home at UW-Eau Claire

March 7, 2024

By Jon Feyen

Maddy Pieper has been determined to play college softball ever since she started playing competitively at age 10. The 2024 left-hand pitcher from Minnesota throws a variety of great pitches in the circle, and she’s a versatile hitter. Recently, the ScoutU prospect announced her commitment to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

UWEC, an NCAA Division III program, has piled up the winning seasons under NFCA Hall of Fame Coach Leslie Huntington. The Blugolds’ success includes 28 victories during 2019 and a national championship in 2008.

“What stood out about UW-Eau Claire was how welcoming everyone was, the beautiful campus and their strong business program,” Pieper said. … READ MORE

Navarro thrilled to become a Lady Blue

February 7, 2024

By Jon Feyen

With more than 1,600 collegiate softball programs across the nation, how is a recruit supposed to find the best fit? Some student-athletes chose one close to home for the familiarity, convenience and the ability to play in front of family. Others love the idea of moving far away for new experiences. ScoutU catcher Casey Navarro found a middle ground with her recent commitment to Illinois College.

Navarro, a 2025 prospect from North Prairie, Wis., chose the NCAA Division III school because it felt like home. She liked the small campus and class sizes, while coaches and players immediately made her part of their family.

Illinois College has been a force in recent years, winning 88 percent of its Midwest Conference games … READ MORE

Schmittdiel to fight for D2 Wildcats

January 11, 2024

By Jon Feyen

Many recruits go into their senior season unsure of their college future, and that can bring unwanted pressure along with stress. Jordyn Schmittdiel will not be one of those athletes. Recently, the 2024 small forward committed to Northern Michigan University, an NCAA Division II school.

“I am super excited to play at the next level,” Schmittdiel said. “It has always been my dream to play in college, and it is such a relief knowing that entering my senior year I am committed!”

Schmittdiel made a name for herself at White Bear Lake H.S. last season, averaging over 14 points and 10 rebounds. … READ MORE

Payton strikes deal with the Thunder

December 20, 2023

By Jon Feyen

While Emma Payton went through the competition of college recruiting, she treated it similar to a basketball game. Payton evaluated all of her options – like a guard breaking down the defense. Recently, the 2024 prospect found an opening and scored with her commitment to Trine University, an NCAA Division III program in Indiana.

“I’m extremely excited to be able to play basketball in college,” Payton said. “This has been my dream since I was 11 years old, and the fact that it’s coming true is amazing. I connected really well with the coaches and the team and knew that it was the right place for me.”

Trine has compiled a 51-11 record the past two years, reaching the Final Four during 2022. … READ MORE

Morton College the next step for Carney

December 5, 2023

By Jon Feyen

Catey Carney has a dream to play Division I basketball. Last year, Morton College advanced eight players to the next level, including three D1 products. After determining that Morton was the best way to achieve her ultimate goal, Carney recently committed to the junior college in Illinois.

“Catey is a very talented player who can shoot 3s, drive to the hoop, hit fade-away jumpers, has excellent ballhandling skills and also great court vision,” ScoutU’s Jason Lauren said. “I’m confident she will excel at Morton to keep her D1 dream alive, and we look forward to continuing to help her with her recruiting while at Morton.”

Last year, the Panthers posted a perfect regular season record on their way to a 34-1 mark. … READ MORE

Dodd signs with Butler University

November 16, 2023

By ScoutU Staff

When Treva Dodd began the college recruiting process, academics were at the top of her priorities. Holding a 4.28 GPA while taking a majority of AP and honors classes, she was challenging herself both on and off the golf course. Recently, the 2024 graduate committed to Butler University, an NCAA Division I school in Indianapolis.

“Butler was included on my list since the beginning of my process,” Dodd said. “I was looking for a university that was between the two places I was primarily living, Wisconsin and Florida. Then, I was hoping to attend a university that would be an academically good fit and prepare me for my desired professional goals.”

“Butler fit all these criteria, and when I visited campus, it was even more than what I hoped for.” … READ MORE

Shipshock rises to Division I Phoenix

October 20, 2023

By ScoutU Staff

Jordan Shipshock has been playing elite golf throughout her high school career. She’s shot in the low 70s, earned All-Conference four times and helped Waunakee to top-6 finishes every year at the WIAA State Tournament. Next fall, Shipshock will advance to an even greater level of competition with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Shipshock is the seventh straight ScoutU girls golfer to commit to an NCAA Division I program. UWGB is coming off its first-ever Horizon League title last spring.

“Being able to play college golf is beyond exciting,” Shipshock said. “I’ve enjoyed my competitive level of golf in high school, but I am so excited to take it to another level.” … READ MORE

Arendt to shine with Golden Bears

October 2, 2023

By Jon Feyen

In college softball, slappers have so much speed that it’s vital for the defense to feature a strong arm at shortstop. Gabriella Arendt, a 2024 prospect from De Pere, Wis., owns just that. Recently Arendt committed to Concordia University-St. Paul, an NCAA Division II school in Minnesota.

Arendt had more than 10 colleges call her during the recruiting process. She is excited that at the next level, she’ll be playing with athletes who love the game just as much as she does.

“Gabriella is a very athletic player,” ScoutU’s Jason Lauren said. “She has a great arm at 66 mph and crushes the ball with her 75 mph exit velo.” … READ MORE

Barnes joins Division I South Alabama

September 21, 2023

By Jon Feyen

Talent, timing and opportunity are three major factors in the recruiting process. Kooper Barnes had the first two covered with her 62 mph fastball and joining ScoutU before high school. ScoutU provided the opportunity by getting Barnes in front of hundreds of college coaches. Now she will be playing at the highest level after committing to the University of South Alabama.

“Kooper showed college talent at a very young age and started the recruiting process about 5 years ago,” ScoutU’s Jason Lauren said. “To see how she grew and improved each year and developed into the dominating pitcher she is today has been very cool!”

Last club season, Barnes silenced opposing hitters with a 2.31 ERA and 113 strikeouts in 88 innings. … READ MORE

Kelly convinced by culture at Wisconsin Lutheran

August 24, 2023

By Jon Feyen

When former athletes look back upon their careers, they rarely lead with the stats or flashy accomplishments. Oftentimes, athletes fondly remember their teammates, coaches and the relationships they built around competition. ScoutU prospect Molly Kelly felt that kind of chemistry with Wisconsin Lutheran College, and that’s why she recently committed to the NCAA Division III program.

Kelly said she loved the environment and culture of the school while attending camps at WLC. It’s just a bonus that she’ll be continuing her softball career about 100 miles from her hometown of Greenville, Wis.

“I started helping Molly with her recruiting about 2 years ago,” ScoutU’s Jason Lauren said. “From the start, she was dedicated in doing the things necessary to get recruited. I’m so happy she found a great fit.” … READ MORE

Johnston makes UNO her No. 1 choice

June 8, 2023

By ScoutU Staff

Adalyn Johnston grew up in eastern Wisconsin, but that doesn’t mean she was destined to stay there. During her recruitment, she considered colleges ranging from Wyoming to New York. Recently, the 2024 golfer decided to be a Maverick when she verbally committed to the University of Nebraska Omaha.

Johnston, who finished top-20 at the WIAA State Tournament the last 2 years, debated on multiple D1 offers. Another interested school had an unexpected coaching change, putting their offer on hold. UNO was a late arrival to Johnston’s recruiting journey, but it quickly moved to the forefront.

During May, Johnston visited Omaha and met with coach Victoria Grasso. The two immediately connected. Johnston was impressed by the facilities and thought the campus was beautiful. … READ MORE

Erickson ready to fly with Duhawks

May 18, 2023

By Jon Feyen

More than a handful of schools made offers to 2023 guard Page Erickson. After evaluating all of their academics, campus and basketball programs, Erickson committed to play for Loras College, an NCAA Division III standout in Iowa.

“From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt welcomed by all the people there and loved the environment,” Erickson said. “The campus was beautiful, and I could really see myself going there. I got to meet most of the team, and I enjoyed spending time with them. After talking to the coach and watching their games, I thought I could fit into the basketball program well.”

Loras has posted a 68-17 record over the last three seasons, winning NCAA Tournament games during 2020 and 2023. … READ MORE

Lions add Wardley to the pride

March 2, 2023

By Jon Feyen

Many college athletes find it hard to explain exactly why they chose their school, often saying that it just felt right. That was definitely the case with ScoutU 2023 prospect Kyra Wardley, who recently committed to play for Bryn Athyn College in Pennsylvania.

“I had three colleges contact me about being the libero for their 2023 volleyball season, but Bryn Athyn spoke to me in my heart,” Wardley said. “I can’t see myself going anywhere else. The coach told me in her first email that ‘This was fate,’ and I truly believe that!”

Wardley, who currently attends Clarendon Hall Academy in South Carolina, is a tenacious player with precise serving ability (94%). She’s excited to continue her academic career at a school that perfectly matches her values. … READ MORE

Howard ready to soar with Eagles

February 21, 2023

By Jon Feyen

The college landscape can vary from small schools of a few thousand students all the way up to 50,000 or more at the nation’s largest. For 2023 ScoutU outfielder Brooke Howard, she was looking for a university that found the right balance in the middle. After talking with dozens of coaches, Howard recently committed to play softball for the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

UWL is the defending champion (13-1) in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference after posting a 27-10 overall record last season. Howard will join former ScoutU prospect Hailey Jibben, who started all 37 games as a freshman while batting .313 with eight doubles for the Eagles.

“There are so many reasons that UW-La Crosse is the right fit for me,” Howard said. “When I visited the school, the coaches and players were very nice to me, which made me feel welcomed.” … READ MORE

Lupinek scores an ace with Western Michigan

February 4, 2023

By ScoutU Staff

Lauren Lupinek’s ascension to Division I golfer was swift and well deserved. The Oconomowoc, Wis., native picked up the game later than most of her competitors, but that didn’t stop Lupinek from winning Classic 8 Conference Player of the Year as a junior. And just a few months later, she committed to play for Western Michigan University.

Lupinek teamed up with ScoutU in early November, and by the end of the year she had multiple D1 offers and visited four different colleges. When she was on the WMU campus, Lupinek fell in love with the school, athletic facilities and team atmosphere the Broncos provided.

“Lauren improved so much last year that I knew many quality programs would be interested,” ScoutU’s Jon Feyen said. “She placed ninth at the State Tournament. The next step was making sure that college coaches all across the nation knew what Lauren was capable of.” … READ MORE

Granger to join Dakota State University

January 23, 2023

By Jon Feyen

Catchers with strong defensive skills are hard to find. It’s also rare to have a 5-foot-10 first baseman in softball. Delaney Granger will provide both of these attributes when she continues her career at Dakota State University.

Recently the 2023 prospect committed to the Trojans following an all-conference season with Manitowoc Lincoln High School.

“Delaney had multiple offers and had contacts with colleges from all over the country,” ScoutU’s Jason Lauren said. “When she visited DSU, the coaching staff made her feel at home. I’m so excited she found a great college fit for her!” … READ MORE

Weik finds strong fit at Madison College

January 10, 2023

By Jon Feyen

Kendall Weik’s junior season featured impressive numbers like an 11-1 record, 0.93 ERA and 106 strikeouts. But until colleges found out who she was, there were no offers on the table. Weik became a ScoutU prospect during her senior year, earned a handful of offers and recently committed to Madison College, a JUCO in Wisconsin.

“We want to thank Jason Lauren and ScoutU for helping guide Kendall towards her dream of playing softball beyond high school,” Kendall’s parents Jason & Nicole said. “From our first meeting, he reassured us that it wasn’t too late for her as an incoming senior to get recruited. He praised and focused on her strengths and was honest in conversations.”

Weik was named 2022 Conference Player of the Year as well as 2nd-Team All-State. … READ MORE