2021 commitment stories

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.

Fields to continue career at Edgewood

December 17, 2021

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU

Natalie Fields knows how to get on base, and she also takes care of her academics. It was the combination of those two abilities that led to her committing to Edgewood College, an NCAA Division III school in Wisconsin.

Fields, a 2022 second baseman/pitcher from Oak Creek, Wis., batted .415 with 80 hits, 68 runs and 11 stolen bases during the 2020 club season. She was a big factor in the Queen of Diamonds 16U capturing first place at the NAFA State Championship. … READ MORE

Natalie Fields

Stevenson claims opportunity with UWRF

December 6, 2021

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU

In the college recruiting game, it’s always good to have multiple options. When you receive eight offers like ScoutU 2022 softball prospect Morgan Stevenson did, it allows you to choose the school that best satisfies your future goals. Stevenson determined that college is the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

“The main thing that stood out about UW-River Falls was the environment and how much it felt like home,” said Stevenson, a Sherwood, Wis., native. “As soon as I stepped on campus for the first time, I knew that was going to be one of my top choices because of not only how pretty the campus was, but also how much the faculty and students made me feel so welcome without even knowing who I was. Another asset that made me feel so comfortable was the opportunities they provide me academically – as that’s the most important part. There are so many unique opportunities, which makes me very certain that I will get the education that I’ve been looking for.” … READ MORE

Morgan Stevenson

Darling lands offer at D2 Minnesota State

November 29, 2021

By ScoutU Staff

Sometimes, the recruiting process can move very quickly. Golfer Ryan Darling joined ScoutU in June 2021. Within weeks, he was communicating with dozens of college coaches. And now in November 2021, Darling just signed to play for Minnesota State University, an NCAA Division II school.

“A lot of colleges reached out to me,” Darling said. “Most of them were by email. I probably received 50 emails back from colleges and about 10 calls.” 

Darling, who’s from Green Bay, Wis., focused his attention on programs in the Midwest. He was looking for a strong business major and a place where he could compete at a high level. … READ MORE

Morgan Stevenson

Hughes ‘grateful’ to find D2 North Greenville

November 15, 2021

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU

Camp invites are very common during the recruiting process. They give college coaches the opportunity to evaluate prospects without leaving their campus. For recruits, camps are a chance to display their skills, explore the school and potentially receive a scholarship offer. Pitcher Amber Hughes said the softball camp at North Greenville University was the difference in her committing to the NCAA Division II program.

“I first visited NGU to attend a prospect camp, and I arrived early enough to look around,” Hughes said. “I immediately felt comfortable. The campus is absolutely beautiful! I was so impressed how nice all of the athletic facilities were. I really loved how Coach Hall and Coach Madden were so encouraging and motivating. During our campus tour, we got to know Coach Hall better on a personal level, and after learning how things would be like, I knew this was somewhere I’d love to be.” … READ MORE

Amber Hughes

Robran commits to University of Jamestown

November 2, 2021

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU

As a three-sport athlete, Aliyah Robran knows how to multi-task. She’s been named All-State in track while also excelling on the soccer pitch. Now, the 2022 ScoutU forward can add college basketball player to her resume after committing to the University of Jamestown, an NAIA school in North Dakota.

“I believe college coaches were attracted to Aliyah, because they could see she is a dedicated, hard-working and tenacious basketball player who gets results on the court and off,” ScoutU’s Linda Blackwell Bentley said. “With a 4.0 GPA and being a three-sport varsity athlete, coaches seek players with these unique skills. Aliyah medaled on the track team at state in the hurdles and the relay, which is a first in the history of her high school!”

During her junior season at Rockford High School in Minnesota, Robran averaged 10 points per game while leading the team in rebounds, assists and steals. … READ MORE

Aliyah Robran Commits

Lathrop can’t wait to suit up for Blugolds

October 21, 2021

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU

A lot of recruits get caught up in the D1/D2/D3 labels. But each individual recruiting process is different, and ScoutU is proud of Paige Lathrop for committing to the school that was best for her. Recently the 2022 outfielder decided to play for the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, an NCAA Division III program.

“Paige is an excellent slapper with great speed, and she also has a very good arm from the outfield,” ScoutU’s Jason Lauren said. “She had Division II interest, but decided to go to a high-level D3 school that’s a better fit for her, and for that, I’m proud that she didn’t get hung up only on what division the school was. Paige visited several schools to help her learn what she felt most comfortable with. I’m so happy she found a great fit at UW-Eau Claire, and she has a bright future there!” … READ MORE

Paige Lathrop

Stigler to play for Division III softball legend

October 13, 2021

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU

In order to become the best, it helps to learn from the best. 2022 ScoutU prospect Abbie Stigler will have that opportunity when she plays for Saint Mary’s University in Minnesota.

Saint Mary’s is coached by NFCA Hall of Famer John Tschida, who owns three NCAA Division III championships and more than 1,000 victories. Tschida recently guided the University of St. Thomas to 17 straight playoff berths and national titles in 2004 and 2005.

“Saint Mary’s immediately felt like home when I stepped on campus,” Stigler said. “I knew I wanted to spend my next 4 years there. I also connected with the coaches really quickly, which made me super excited to play and learn from them.” … READ MORE

Abbie Stigler

Koch finds perfect fit at UW-River Falls

September 26, 2021

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU

Maddie Koch always had the dream of playing college softball, but there was a time she thought it may not happen. Thanks to ScoutU’s help and her continued performance on the diamond, the 2022 outfielder committed to play for the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

“To be honest, before meeting with Jason Lauren, I felt a little lost in the recruiting process,” Koch said. “I was talking with a few coaches, but wasn’t sure I’d be able to make my dreams of playing in college a reality.” … READ MORE

Maddie Koch

Meshnick chooses D1 Illinois State

September 3, 2021

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU

Even with a fastball that touches 69 mph, a 14-2 record and All-State recognition, Hannah Meshnick couldn’t handle the recruiting process by herself. The 2022 pitcher teamed up with ScoutU, which led to four NCAA Division I offers before Meshnick recently committed to Illinois State University.

Meshnick, who posted a 0.84 ERA with 157 strikeouts for Hortonville High School last season, joins a Redbirds program that won the 2021 Missouri Valley Conference with a 31-10 record. … READ MORE

Hannah Meshnick

Lagodzinski joins defending national champion

July 21, 2021

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU

Danika Lagodzinski has always been complimented for her versatility on the softball diamond. She can handle the middle infield, third base or even catcher. Those skills will be essential in the coming years, as Lagodzinski joins an already strong program. Recently the 2022 ScoutU prospect committed to Florida National University, which won last spring’s Small College World Series.

Florida National, a member of the NAIA, is adding a homegrown talent in Lagodzinski (Fort Myers, Fla.). She was impressed by the school’s athletics as well as its academic philosophy.

“Florida National stood out, because the school is truly all about helping out the students and getting one-on-ones with the students if they need it, which is what I’ve always been looking for,” she said. … READ MORE

Danika Lagodzinski

Johnson finds home at UW-Parkside

July 2, 2021

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU

If we’ve learned anything from 2020, it’s that you need to be prepared for the unexpected. 2022 ScoutU softball prospect Mia Johnson dealt with plenty of adversity during her junior year — including suffering an ACL injury — but because of her dedication and persistence, she’s now committed to the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.

Johnson (South Milwaukee, WI), who also was recruited by numerous colleges for basketball, received a handful of offers to play at the next level. She had about 50 personal phone calls and emails to narrow down which school was the best one for her. … READ MORE

Danika Lagodzinski

Roanhouse proud to earn D2 football opportunity

June 8, 2021

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU

It’s not often that a high school coach puts his player in the same sentence as a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. But when Waterford H.S. Coach Adam Bakken compared Gavin Roanhouse to J.J. Watt, it expressed just how rare of a talent he is.

Roanhouse, a 2021 ScoutU prospect, recently committed to play for Southwest Minnesota State University. The NCAA Division II program will give Roanhouse a stage to display his skills as a 6-foot-5, 240-pound defensive end.

“I have never had a player with that size and athleticism on any of my teams before,” Bakken said. “I really believe he could become a J.J. Watt-type of player.” … READ MORE

Gavin Roanhouse

Miller finds ‘whole package’ at Aurora University

February 22, 2021

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU

Casey Miller was contacted by 30 college coaches during the recruiting process. She had phone calls or Zoom meetings with about 15 of them. And now during her senior year, Miller has committed to Aurora University, an NCAA Division III program in Illinois.

I am more excited than I can even express!” Miller said. “I have more to learn from coaches, teammates to play with, and games to win! This is an incredible opportunity.”

A libero and defensive specialist from Hartford Union H.S. (Wis.), Miller averages 9.2 digs per match. She received all-conference honors as a junior, while also helping her club team (Wisconsin Premier) to third place at nationals during 2019. … READ MORE

Casey Miller

Flattum to join Division III contender

February 11, 2021

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU

There’s not a lot of flashy parts to Zack Flattum’s game. He’s a good defender and gets on base 49% of the time. Flattum continued to improve during his career at Park High School in Minnesota. And that’s why he’ll fit right in with the Saint John’s University baseball program.

Recently, Flattum committed to one of the top NCAA Division III schools in his home state. He was attracted by the team’s success over the past two decades.

“What really stood out about St. John’s was the coaching staff and the culture they had built up,” Flattum said. “They built a winning program and they are committed to getting better every single day.” … READ MORE

Zack Flattum

Wells called to D1 Delaware State University

February 6, 2021

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU

ScoutU always advises our prospects to evaluate the full college experience when choosing a school. Athletes should consider academics, geography, size and campus life in addition to athletics. For 2022 prospect Rachel Wells, the top priority was her faith.

Wells (Melissa, Texas) recently committed to play softball for Delaware State University. She found that the NCAA Division I school had everything she was looking for.

“First and foremost, it was a blessing from God the almighty to be able to play softball at the next level,” Wells said. “God and family come first at Delaware State University. That was a major aspect in my search, and coach Jeff Franquet made me feel right at home.” … READ MORE

Rachel Wells

Denniston commits to ‘beautiful’ D3 school

January 30, 2021

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU

If you’re going to spend 4 to 5 important years of your life somewhere, you might as well enjoy the view. Adam Denniston admitted that its scenic campus was a major reason why he committed to play baseball for St. Norbert College.

“A couple things that stood out about St. Norbert College were the layout of the campus and how beautiful it was,” Denniston said. “As I was on the tour, talking with Coach Wallerich and a player, they were able to provide information and show me the amazing campus. I loved the connection with coach Wallerich and the player; it relayed to me that it’s truly a family there, and all of this made me want to become a part of the family at St. Norbert.”

Denniston (Ottumwa, Iowa) will remain in the Midwest, as SNC is about 400 miles away in De Pere, Wis. The Green Knights have posted a winning record every year the past decade, including NCAA Division III Tournament appearances in 2012 and 2017. … READ MORE

Adam Denniston

Houston sets her mind on Carolina

January 23, 2021

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU

Jessica Houston has achieved her dream of committing to a college softball program, but that doesn’t mean she’s satisfied. The 2021 RHP/IF is determined to keep getting better when she plays for Carolina University, an NCCAA school in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Houston, who will graduate from Central Christian H.S. in Georgia, enrolled with ScoutU during November. Within 1 month, she found the perfect college fit.

“Not only did Carolina have the major I wanted (elementary education), but they also have a minor in American sign language, which is near and dear to my heart,” Houston said. “So academically it was a great choice. The coaches really sealed the deal. … READ MORE

Jessica Houston

Lee finds home at Reinhardt University

January 13, 2021

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU

Speed has always been the highlight of Eryn Lee’s game – with her ability to reach first base in less than 2.7 seconds. But when it came to choosing her college, the 2022 ScoutU prospect wanted to make sure she took her time. Recently, the middle infielder announced her commitment to Reinhardt University, an NAIA school in Georgia.

“I’m extremely excited!” Lee said. “I know that very few high school players make it to the collegiate level. I feel very blessed to be able to play in college.”

During the past few years, Lee has compiled impressive numbers playing for the Georgia Impact. She batted .411 during the 2018 season before posting an .898 OPS last year. … READ MORE

Eryn Lee Commits

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