Henning immediately embraces D3 opportunity
December 22, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Some college prospects don’t receive any offers to play at the next level. Others have several options and take a long time to choose where they will attend. Reganne Henning fit neither of those descriptions, and she fell in love with the University of Northwestern-St. Paul as soon as she visited the school.
Henning, a 2021 second baseman, recently committed to the NCAA Division III college in Minnesota after receiving two other offers.
“I felt super comfortable the moment I stepped on campus,” Henning said. “The very first person we met knew exactly where my hometown in Nebraska was. Everyone I talked to was more than happy to talk about why the University of Northwestern-St. Paul was so great. The girls on the softball team I met were really awesome.” … READ MORE
December 15, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Truett McConnell University ended last season ranked ninth in the NAIA for the highest standing in school history. ScoutU 2B/OF Laney Armistead will make that program even stronger when she joins them next season.
Recently, Armistead committed to TMU, which is located about 2 hours from her hometown of Senoia, Georgia. The past 2 years, Armistead collected All-County and All-Region awards playing for Trinity Christian High School.
“Throughout all my years of school, I have always been at a private school,” Armistead said. “The small Christian environment really attracted me to Truett in general. After I met both of the coaches, I soon began to fall in love with the school and their softball program.” … READ MORE
December 4, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
During the last 8 years, Amber Corley has spent hundreds – probably thousands – of hours improving her softball abilities. Recently, all that hard work paid off when she committed to play for Agnes Scott College, an NCAA Division III school in Georgia.
Corley, a 2021 RHP/IF from Lagrange Academy (Ga.), had four programs call her since becoming a ScoutU prospect in August.
“I was really comfortable committing here because of how nice and welcoming Coach Busby was,” Corley said. “She was always helpful, answered all of my questions, and gave me all the information that I needed to be happy with the school.” … READ MORE
November 28, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
ScoutU Head Scout Jason Lauren often refers to the “recruiting bus” when discussing who is driving the recruiting process. He wants to make sure it’s the student-athlete who leads the decision about where they spend their college years.
Mariah Stevenson drove that bus perfectly, and now she’s headed to Bemidji State University in Minnesota. The 2021 3B/SS recently committed to the NCAA Division II school that’s eight hours from her hometown of Sherwood, Wis.
“Bemidji State stood out because of the friendly and welcoming environment that you get right when you walk on campus,” Stevenson said. … READ MORE
November 4, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
It’s pretty rare for someone to play both catcher and centerfield. But Leigha James is not your average softball player. The 2021 ScoutU prospect recently decided where she’ll continue her career when she committed to Carolina University, an NCCAA Division I program in North Carolina.
James brings versatility with her 60 MPH throwing arm and 2.9 speed to first base. While playing for the Georgia Gamers, she amassed a .383 average and .493 on-base percentage while slugging .533. James also was named 2nd Team All-Region with Spalding H.S. during 2019.
“Since I enrolled with ScoutU, I had four colleges call me,” James said. … READ MORE
October 28, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Following the regional final game a few years ago, an opposing coach told Abby Garceau, “You are a tough out.” Many other coaches agreed, as Garceau posted a .543 on-base percentage during her sophomore year at Mishicot High School (WI).
The 2021 graduate will soon be frustrating coaches at the next level, now that Garceau has committed to play for the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
“I am very ecstatic,” Garceau said. “This has been a goal of mine since I was a young girl to play in college, and having the blessing to play for four more years is an incredible feeling!” … READ MORE
October 21, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Ashley Nail helped Briarwood Academy (GA) win a softball state title during her sophomore season. She was also part of the school’s track & field championship team that year. And with her commitment to Augusta University, Nail plans to continue that winning tradition.
The 2021 outfielder is a native of Augusta, Georgia, so her family will have the opportunity to witness her college career. “The coaches are awesome, and it felt like home,” Nail said. … READ MORE
September 16, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
September 1 was a very important day for the softball class of 2022. That’s when NCAA Division I coaches were first allowed to contact Maggie Helms. And just as she hoped, the University of Maine gave her a call. Helms, a 2022 outfielder from Lincoln, NE, wasted no time and accepted the offer to play collegiate softball.
“Within minutes of posting her on social media, I was contacted by a coach asking about her,” ScoutU’s Scott Woodcock said. “Then several more and then several more. Maggie’s #1 was the University of Maine. She told me often in text messages, and I had already sent her stuff over to Coach (Mike) Coutts. Leading up to September, Maggie was receiving lots of interest from D2 coaches. She had been a ScoutU kid less than two months when her dream school called on September 1st.” … READ MORE
August 21, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
The national pandemic has brought many athletic seasons to a halt. While there were no competitions going on, the recruiting process continued. Maddie Votsis (Milwaukee, WI) was able to navigate the spring and summer with ScoutU, and she recently committed to play softball for Wisconsin Lutheran College.
“I started helping Maddie at the end of February, right before COVID-19 hit,” ScoutU’s Jason Lauren said. “With her diligence following my advice and doing what she needed to do on her end, she had dozens of colleges show interest, despite her junior season being wiped out and many colleges not being able to recruit in person. She basically went through the recruiting process completely during the pandemic, and with her dedication she showed that athletes can still get recruited during these uncertain times.” … READ MORE
July 14, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Hayden Salter had an amazing 2018 season that featured nine home runs, 10 triples, 22 doubles and 55 RBIs. Opposing pitchers definitely couldn’t slow her down. Unfortunately, a knee injury did, and she had to re-evaluate her college softball trajectory.
The 2021 outfielder then worked her way back onto the field, proved herself and accepted an offer to Fairleigh Dickinson University, an NCAA Division I school in New Jersey.
“I am so grateful to be given this opportunity,” Salter said. “Not many girls get to play college ball, let alone D1. I am so, so excited and can’t wait to start my new journey as a Knight!” … READ MORE
July 6, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Patrick Suemnick had zero offers during his senior year of high school. Not long after, he had trouble keeping track of all the college coaches interested in him. And starting this fall, Suemnick will be chasing his dream of playing in March Madness.
Recently, Suemnick committed to Robert Morris University after spending 1 year at Don Bosco Prep School in Indiana. The RMU Colonials (20-14) qualified for this year’s NCAA Tournament before the event was canceled.
“It’s always been my dream to play in the NCAA Tournament, and Robert Morris proved they were a tournament-caliber team when they won the NEC championship this season,” Suemnick said. “They also just switched into the Horizon League, so I’ll get to play a few games in Green Bay (WI), the city I grew up in, and a few more games close by. Being able to play in front of my family and friends, while also having a great shot at making the NCAA Tournament, made it very easy to commit to Robert Morris University.” … READ MORE
June 29, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Throughout her junior golf career, Elise Hoven battled for trophies against the other top players in the state of Wisconsin. But starting in fall 2021, her old rivals will become teammates at North Dakota State University, an NCAA Division I program.
Hoven recently committed to the Bison, who already feature the top two players from Wisconsin’s 2017 class. After NDSU received word from Hoven (ranked 2nd in the 2021 class), top-ranked recruit Jo Baranczyk joined her best friend in Fargo, ND.
“When other players committed to NDSU, I was always intrigued why they chose it because of its northern location,” Hoven said. “I did a lot of research on the golf and academic aspects of NDSU, and it really interested me. Coach Matt Johnson, the athletic facilities and the girls on the team impressed me. During my visit, NDSU started to check all the boxes I wanted in an academic and athletic experience.” … READ MORE
June 22, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
As a pitcher, shortstop, switch-hitter and three-sport athlete, Tyler Torkelson is used to showing off his versatility. Now that he’s committed to Viterbo University, the sky is the limit for Torkelson’s college baseball career.
ScoutU’s Jason Lauren found a 2020 shortstop who could range around the infield, bat cleanup and lead his team in RBIs.
“Tyler is an excellent athlete,” Lauren said. “He has a very athletic build and also excels in basketball and soccer. His athleticism gives him a very high ceiling at Viterbo. Once he has an opportunity to focus on just baseball in college, I think his abilities will go to another level.” … READ MORE
June 15, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Rylie Giddens was willing to go anywhere to make her college softball dream come true. After talking with double-digit schools, the 2020 ScoutU outfielder achieved her goal and committed to the University of Texas-San Antonio, an NCAA Division I school.
Giddens got a late start in the recruiting process when ScoutU started helping her in July 2019, but she drew plenty of eyes after making 2nd-Team All-State at Blue Valley High School (Kansas). When she visited UTSA, everything there felt like her new home.
“The coaches are different — in a good way — than any other coaches I’ve met,” Giddens said. “They made me feel like I was already a part of the team and made me feel very welcome. I’m going to admit Texas is really far from home, but the coaching staff, campus and the girls I’ve met made me feel like I’m going to love it there. I am really excited for school to start and see what UTSA has in store for me!” … READ MORE
June 5, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Every prospect has his or her criteria during the recruiting process. Some focus on staying close to home, while others prioritize academics or playing time. Fortunately for Andrew Leair, he was able to satisfy all those categories when he committed to play baseball at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.
“I chose UW-Parkside because of the location, size and the competition at the D2 level,” Leair said. “Also, after meeting Coach (Daniel) Esposito and his staff, I believe they will make me the best possible player I can be, and it’s the right fit for me. Academically, I am excited to pursue sports management at UW-Parkside, which has the fifth-best program in the nation.”
Leair has all the tools coaches look for in a catcher, including a 75 mph arm and 7.06 speed in the 60-yard dash. His accolades extend to the football field, where he was an All-Conference running back for Muskego High School. … READ MORE
May 29, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Alec Schmitz possesses rare fastball velocity, a sharp curve and plenty of power at the plate. Getting an NCAA Division I offer during your senior year is another thing that’s quite rare. So, it should be no surprise that Schmitz and Saint Peter’s (NJ) University found each other, as the 2020 ScoutU pitcher committed recently.
Schmitz, who is just finishing up at Sun Prairie (Wis.) High School, first teamed up with ScoutU last November. By the time he committed this spring, he had received more than 20 offers. Saint Peter’s had everything he was looking for at the next level.
“Playing college baseball has been a goal and dream of mine for many years, so I’m very excited,” Schmitz said. “Playing on the East Coast has been a goal too, so Saint Peter’s being in the MAAC and near New York City is very exciting. I felt very comfortable on my visit with the size of the university, the coach and the players. They were very welcoming and made it clear they wanted me on the team.” … READ MORE
May 22, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Carissa Frost knows that before you can be recruited, first you have to get noticed. ScoutU played a big part during her recruiting journey, but she also had a little help from ESPN.
Frost, who made the No. 1 play on ESPN’s Top 10 during 2018, recently committed to play college softball at Lee University, an NCAA Division II school in her hometown of Cleveland, Tenn. It all started 2 years ago when ScoutU’s Scott Woodcock was in the stands evaluating prospects.
“I remember sitting at the Tennessee State High School Championships in Murfreesboro,” Woodcock said. “It was a tight game in the late innings of the semifinal. Carissa made an amazing diving catch at the fence and actually landed on the other side of the fence. It was a huge ‘dah-nuh-nuh’ ESPN catch, and they were right there to capture it. … READ MORE
May 1, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Abby Orr has been dreaming of playing college softball ever since her first day on the diamond. She will not only achieve that goal, but she’ll do it at the highest level. Orr, a 2021 ScoutU prospect, has committed to the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, an NCAA Division I school.
“Words can not explain how excited I am to play at the next level,” Orr said. “I’m also excited to play in Tennessee, because I have family who live down there that I don’t get to see very often. Knowing that I get to play softball in Tennessee fills my heart up!”
ScoutU’s Scott Woodcock was referred to the Orr family by another parent who worked with him. … READ MORE
April 24, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
College coaches don’t just evaluate a recruit’s athletic ability. At elite academic schools, they make sure the prospect can also meet a university’s academic standards. Dylan Hunt clearly achieved both requirements as he committed to play baseball for Lawrence University, an NCAA Division III program in Wisconsin.
Hunt, a 2020 infielder from Menomonee Falls, Wis., had a wide range of colleges recruiting him because of his 32 ACT score. He plans on majoring in economics.
“The familial culture and academic standing at Lawrence were two of the many things that led me to commit there,” Hunt said. “Everything about the school made me comfortable about spending the next four years of my life there.” … READ MORE
April 17, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
College recruiting shares many similarities with the real world — it’s not always about what you know, but who you know. 2020 ScoutU softball prospect Faith McKenzie found the right people just in time, and that led to her commitment to Oklahoma Panhandle State University, an NAIA program.
“Faith came to me pretty late in the process,” ScoutU’s Scott Woodcock said. “She hadn’t gotten much traction doing things on her own and knew she needed help. Parents wouldn’t take their kid to the auto mechanic if she were sick, and they wouldn’t take their car to the dentist if it broke down. There are people trained and educated in each of those fields, so why would they trust their kid’s recruiting, their future, to anyone else? Faith’s dad, Freddie, said exactly that when he called asking for my help.”
McKenzie had compiled some pretty nice accolades during her junior year at La Feria High School (Texas), including an All-District honor. She relied on a 57 mph fastball and four other pitches to keep hitters off balance. … READ MORE
April 10, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Gracie Turner had a fantastic support system throughout her recruiting process. Her parents were vital in driving to all her camps, games and school visits. She had ScoutU to connect her with coaches who were impressed with the 2022 outfielder. Gracie also picked the minds of former college players about what to look for in a future team.
After doing all of her homework, Turner recently committed to Bryan College, an NAIA school in Tennessee.
“I’m so excited to be able to live my dream and play softball for Bryan College,” Turner said. “I was lucky to have (ScoutU’s) Scott Woodcock and former players to ask questions about playing ball in college and their experiences. They all told me the same thing — figure out what you want out of the experience and find the fit that is right for you. Don’t make decisions based on whether the school is D1, D2, NAIA. I just knew in my heart that Bryan College was my fit.” … READ MORE
April 3, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Dyonna Rodas was the first to admit — she didn’t do a great job with her recruiting early on. But thanks to persistence and the connections of ScoutU, she ended up finding the college softball program she was looking for.
Recently, Rodas committed to the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth, an NCAA Division III school. The 2020 recruit received double-digit offers, including a pair at the Division I level, but selected the program that fit her best.
“I was extremely honored and humbled with the amount of choices I had,” Rodas said. “Pretty much all my opportunities outside of New England came in the past year, which I believe is directly related to my ScoutU relationship. When I first talked to (ScoutU Scout) Scott Woodcock, my goal was to not close the door on getting better D1 offers. … READ MORE
March 13, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Playing for Oak Creek High School in Wisconsin, Hailey Jibben has become used to winning. During her freshman season, Oak Creek advanced to the Division 1 quarterfinals of the State Tournament. Last year, Jibben helped her team capture its fourth straight conference championship.
Recently, Jibben committed to play for the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, an NCAA Division III school that also owns a tremendous track record. The Eagles have posted 25-plus wins during five of the last six seasons.
“I am so excited to have the opportunity to play softball in college,” Jibben said. “I’m excited to be able to play the sport I love at a competitive level a few more years after high school.” … READ MORE
February 20, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Attending an Ivy League school is quite the rare and impressive achievement. Devon Davey not only will take classes at Columbia University, but he’ll also be running for the NCAA Division I track and field program.
The 2020 ScoutU prospect recently signed to compete at Columbia, which is ranked the No. 3 school in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
When asked what stood out about Columbia, Davey said, “First, was the location of the university in New York City and the endless opportunities in that area, especially with me wanting to enter the medical field. Second, the team and coaches made me feel very welcome, and I could see how dedicated they are to the track and field program. Last, having the opportunity to attend an Ivy League school and being taught by some of the top professors in the country.” … READ MORE
February 13, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Less than three months after becoming a ScoutU prospect, Cooper Smith made the decision to commit to the best academic school that was recruiting him.
Recently the 2020 graduate from Bloomington, Minn., native made his decision to attend Gustavus Adolphus College and play baseball there.
GAC is known as a wonderful academic school, ranked 89th by U.S. News & World Report. The Gusties have also thrived on the diamond, posting a 25-13 record last season while winning the MIAC title. … READ MORE
February 6, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Before enrolling with ScoutU, Tyler Yetka had not received a phone call from a college coach. That all changed quickly, and by the end of his recruiting, Yetka had talked with about 20 coaches.
Recently, Yetka narrowed it down and committed to play lacrosse at Missouri Valley College, an NAIA school in Marshall, Mo.
“After enrolling with ScoutU, I started to have phone calls almost every day for a couple weeks,” Yetka said. “One thing that really stood out about Missouri Valley was how close the team was with each other. I knew that if I decided to go there, I would never feel like I was at the school alone. I’d always know that I have a group of friends and teammates that will always be there for me. I also felt that the school had exactly what I wanted to study, and they were able to offer a great program for me to do so.” … READ MORE
January 30, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Morgan Dziondziakowski plans to major in pre-med, which limited the number of schools where she could play college softball. That didn’t stop her from receiving double-digit offers before the 2020 ScoutU prospect committed to Saint Mary’s University.
Dziondziakowski, who’s from South Milwaukee, Wis., chose the NCAA Division III school in Minnesota, because it will set her up for long-term success.
“I am beyond excited to be able to play softball for Saint Mary’s University,” Dziondziakowski said. “Saint Mary’s is the perfect university for me. It’s a smaller campus and has great connections with the Mayo Clinic.” … READ MORE
January 23, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Katelyn Matenaer posted some eye-popping numbers during her second year of high school softball, and that’s when she realized there was a chance to play at the next level.
The West Bend, Wis., native achieved that goal recently when she committed to Marian University, an NCAA Division III program in Fond du Lac, Wis.
“I am beyond excited to play softball in college,” Matenaer said. “I have been dreaming of it since sophomore year, and now I turned it into a reality. I love the coaching staff, and they were a huge part of my decision. I know that my coaches will always be there for me, even if it’s not about softball.”
… READ MORE
January 16, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Abbie Crawford grew up in Grand Marais, Minnesota, which isn’t too far from the Canadian border. In addition to cool temperatures that aren’t ideal for softball, Abbie also had to overcome a lack of opportunity.
“I fell in love with the sport my seventh-grade year,” Crawford said. “Unfortunately, due to how small my town is, I never got to play in my youth years. I was always playing baseball with the boys.”
Crawford didn’t let that stop her, as she recently committed to the College of St. Scholastica, an NCAA Division III program in Duluth, Minn. … READ MORE
January 7, 2020
By Jon Feyen
ScoutU
Jayce Purdy said that ever since she was a little girl, her biggest goal was to play NCAA Division I softball. That dream will soon become reality, with the 2021 ScoutU prospect recently committing to the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga.
“I’m ecstatic that I achieved that goal!” Purdy said. “I just got a good feeling. It was everything I want in my future school. The people would wave without ever meeting you, and the coaching staff and players were so welcoming and polite.” … READ MORE
