These are the recruiting stories of ScoutU athletes. ScoutU oftentimes writes stories on its athletes after they commit to a college. All have unique stories on how ScoutU helped them with their recruiting and the recruiting journey they took.
Ekoka picks up a ride with Stallions
March 3, 2025
By Jon Feyen
Kemi Ekoka knows that every recruiting journey is different. After growing up in Germany, he found his way to Northwest Iowa Community College. Ekoka then joined ScoutU to maximize his options when transferring to a higher level. Recently, Ekoka committed to North American University, an NAIA school in Texas.
“North American University stood out because of its strong soccer program, supportive coaching staff and the overall team culture,” Ekoka said. “The location in Houston was also a big plus, as it provides great opportunities both on and off the field. I felt like it was the best place for me to grow as both a player and a student.”
While in Germany, Ekoka helped Rahlstedter SC win the Hamburg Championship, advancing to the second-highest U17 league in the country. … READ MORE
Kern jumps on opportunity with SDSU
February 10, 2025
By ScoutU Staff
The college recruiting process can be a rollercoaster filled with highs and lows. For Caleb Kern, patience was the key as he evaluated all his options. Last month, Kern took a visit to South Dakota State University and decided to make it his home for the next 4 years.
“It’s an incredible achievement and an exciting milestone!” Caleb’s mom Michelle said. “It’s a testament to his hard work and dedication. It is an amazing feeling to watch him reach this level, knowing all the effort he’s put in over the years. From early morning practices to long tournaments, this is a big accomplishment.”
Last summer, Kern broke 70 numerous times, including wins at the PGA Great Lakes Series. … READ MORE
Tigers add Bush to their arsenal
January 9, 2025
By Jon Feyen
Olivet Nazarene University historically has one of the fastest, most prolific offenses in the country. This means the Tigers recruit a certain type of player who can handle the pace and brings great skill to the court. Grace Bush checks all those boxes and recently committed to play for Olivet Nazarene next year.
“Grace is very athletic and has good speed,” ScoutU’s Jason Lauren said. “She has a great mid-range jumper, is a very good ballhandler and can drive to the hoop with many impressive moves. Not only is Grace a great athlete and student, but she’s also a great kid. I’m sure she will have an excellent career at Olivet Nazarene!”
The Tigers, who have gone 74-40 the last four seasons, currently average 89 points per game. ONU made six consecutive trips to the NAIA Tournament from 2017-22. … READ MORE
Yun ready for challenge with Matadors
December 6, 2024
By Jon Feyen
It’s more than 1,500 miles from Vancouver to Yuma, Arizona, but Kya Yun was willing to go wherever it took to achieve her college softball dream. Recently the 2025 ScoutU prospect chose Arizona Western College, which competes in the NJCAA.
“I’m incredibly excited to have the opportunity to play in college,” Yun said. “I’ve been dreaming of this since I was young, and I’m excited to play the sport I love at the next level.”
Yun will have the opportunity to learn from a great coach, Joel Prickett, who’s won more than 700 college softball games. … READ MORE
Marhefke commits to Division II Peacocks
November 20, 2024
By Jon Feyen
Starting her senior year, Kaylee Marhefke didn’t have any offers to play college softball. With half of her hits going for extra bases (.540 slugging) and a 3.6 GPA, she definitely had the ability. All Marhefke needed was more exposure.
After joining ScoutU in September, Marhefke (Neenah, Wis.) got in front of hundreds of colleges. Within two days, she received over 20 texts and emails from coaches. Just a couple months later, Marhefke committed to Upper Iowa University, an NCAA Division II program.
“I’m so happy that Kaylee was able to commit to her No. 1 choice!” ScoutU’s Jason Lauren said. … READ MORE
Petersen excited for chapter at Loras
October 25, 2024
By Jon Feyen
When Addisyn Petersen attended the Loras College softball camp, her goal was to improve her skills and perform in front of college coaches. As a bonus, she bonded with the players who will become her future teammates. Recently, Petersen committed to Loras, an NCAA Division III school in Iowa.
“Loras makes me feel at home,” Petersen said. “After attending the Loras Prospect Camp and working with the coaches and current Duhawks, I knew. The current players instantly made me feel so welcomed, and I felt their support from the second I stepped on the field. Coach Winter made my decision incredibly easy. She is inspiring and motivating, and wants the best for all of her girls, but also pushes them to their limits to better themselves.”
Last club season with the Wasco Diamonds, Petersen counted 80 strikeouts in 46.2 innings. … READ MORE
Rodriguez earns place with Skyhawks
September 24, 2024
By Jon Feyen
As the most-informed recruits know, just being good enough isn’t enough to gain college offers. Coaches need to know who you are, and then you must prove to them that you deserve a spot in their program. Adrian Rodriguez joined ScoutU during the summer after his senior year, but he was still able to find a place to continue his basketball career at Point University.
“I feel very happy to have this opportunity and demonstrate my talent in college,” Rodriguez said. “I received somewhere between 6-8 offers and had another four schools interested.”
ScoutU’s connections prompted a dozen coaches reaching out to Rodriguez before he committed to the NAIA school in Georgia. … READ MORE
Mau set to join Division I Jaguars
June 26, 2024
By Jon Feyen
Throughout her high school career, Ava Mau showed the potential to play at the highest college level. Before becoming a ScoutU prospect, she even thought of giving up soccer and going to school solely for academics. But after exploring all of her options in the Midwest, Mau recently committed to Indiana University-Indianapolis.
“I am beyond grateful to have this opportunity to play in college, especially at the Division I level,” Mau said, “I never thought my dreams on playing collegiate soccer would come true until they did, and I cannot wait to see where this team takes me.”
Mau (Kaukauna, Wis.) had around 200 communications with college coaches. … READ MORE
Marshall ready to run with the Pacers
May 15, 2024
By Jon Feyen
During a year when she was team captain for the soccer team and a record-setter on the basketball court, Paige Marshall had just one more goal left to accomplish – choosing her college. Marshall had about 50 schools interested in her before deciding to play NCAA Division II soccer at the University of South Carolina Aiken.
“I really liked the location and the size of the school,” Paige said. “The coaches were also a big factor, because on my visit I felt comfortable with them and felt like they really wanted me to join their soccer program.”
Marshall was named 1st-Team All-County each of the last two seasons while helping Lake High School (Ohio) total 12 shutouts. … READ MORE
Bynum embraces junior college opportunity
May 1, 2024
By Jon Feyen
Junior year is often an important time during the recruiting process. Chloey Bynum had the misfortune of missing her junior season with a major injury, but she didn’t let that derail her dream. Bynum bounced back as strong as ever and recently committed to play for Milwaukee Area Technical College.
“Chloey was focused on going to a junior college, so I’m happy for her that she found a great school,” ScoutU’s Jason Lauren said. “She missed her junior year due to an ACL injury and worked hard to get back on the court. I saw her play in one of her first games back, and it looked like she hadn’t missed any time.”
MATC has posted back-to-back winning seasons with a combined 35-23 record. … READ MORE
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
