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.” 

Jibben had offers from five other colleges, along with a “huge amount” of programs that emailed her. Her 3.93 GPA and 26 ACT score indicate that she would’ve been successful wherever she decided to go. 

“La Crosse stood out to me, because it has a really good physical therapy program, and the environment around La Crosse is beautiful and safe,” Jibben said. 

ScoutU’s Jason Lauren said it was a pleasure helping Hailey with her recruiting. 

“She’s a great kid and was always right on top of doing what she needed to be successful,” Lauren said. “I’m so excited she found a great academic and athletic fit for her at UW-La Crosse.” 

Jibben possesses a great arm (64 mph overhand) and a reliable bat (.513 during her 2018-19 club season). 

“Hailey knows how to get on base,” Lauren said. “She’s a clutch hitter and has a strong work ethic, getting a workout in before school starts. I’m sure she will have a stellar career at La Crosse.” 

Jibben realized that — like softball — recruiting requires a team effort. She was able to focus on improving her game while ScoutU worked on getting her noticed. 

“Jason was able to get me to the college I really wanted to go to,” Jibben said. “He recommended that I go to a showcase, and that’s where Coach (Chris) Helixon from La Crosse saw me. Jason and the organization of ScoutU were able to help me play softball in college. They made the recruitment process non-stressful, and they made it a great experience.”