2022 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.
Scanlon drawn to Winona State University
December 26, 2022
By Jon Feyen
When recruits are narrowing down their college options, they can prioritize athletics, geography, academics or campus size. For Kaylie Scanlon, it was culture. That was the primary reason that Scanlon committed to Winona State University, an NCAA Division II school in Minnesota.
“I attended multiple camps there,” Scanlon said. “Instantly the culture and inclusiveness stood out to me. The girls brought such energy and welcoming attitudes that it instantly felt like somewhere I wanted to be. When I had my visit with coach (Greg) Jones, I got to know him and his values within the program and loved everything he had to say. I like the size of campus and the nursing program they have.” … READ MORE
Nelson bolsters infield for D3 Raiders
December 7, 2022
By Jon Feyen
Milwaukee School of Engineering has racked up six straight winning seasons, including two berths in the NCAA Division III Tournament. After posting a 70-20 record over the last three years, the Raiders will be getting even stronger with the addition of ScoutU 2023 first baseman Jayda Nelson, who recently committed to MSOE.
“I’m so happy Jayda found a great college fit for her,” ScoutU’s Jason Lauren said. “When she visited MSOE, she thought it was a good fit for her academically, athletically and socially. She liked the idea of going to a school that has a smaller campus but is in a big city.”
Last summer with Badger Blitz 18U, Nelson had a tremendous year hitting .484 with eight home runs and 31 RBIs. … READ MORE
Royle fits the Billikens
November 30, 2022
By Jon Feyen
Left-handed pitchers and hitters are a special commodity at the higher levels. When teams have a threat from that side, it gives them a distinct advantage. As a 2023 lefty, Isabel Royle consistently produced in both the batter’s box and the circle. Recently, Royle signed her NLI to play for Saint Louis University (Mo.), an NCAA Division I school.
“Isabel is an excellent two-way player as a lefty pitcher and a middle-of-the-order hitter for both her club and high school team,” ScoutU’s Jason Lauren said. “She doesn’t blow batters away with her 61 mph fastball, but she’s outstanding at mixing a variety of pitches to keep hitters off balance.”
Royle led Sun Prairie High School to runner-up finishes at the WIAA State Championship each of the last two years. … READ MORE
Durkin signs with D1 Loyola University Chicago
November 13, 2022
By ScoutU Staff
During the summer of 2022, Grace Durkin was clearly one of the best girls golfers in Wisconsin. But that was only after a back surgery caused her to miss her entire junior season. Durkin teamed up with ScoutU, started exploring all her college possibilities and recently signed to play for Loyola University Chicago.
“I am so excited every time I remember that I committed to play at Loyola,” Durkin said, “I just get a big smile on my face! I think it’s still settling in, but I feel like I can take a deep breath, slow down and really be proud of myself for all my hard work. I remember a year ago contemplating playing in college because I didn’t know what my journey ahead would be like after back surgery.” … READ MORE
Thomas touches home at D2 Minnesota-Duluth
November 3, 2022
By Jon Feyen
Change is a constant in college athletics. Schools change conferences, athletes transfer and coaches move to different programs. After her first commitment was put in doubt, Sierra Thomas re-opened her recruiting and selected the University of Minnesota-Duluth.
The ScoutU OF/2B was coming off a junior season in which she broke Arrowhead High School (Wis.) records with eight home runs, 29 RBIs and an .859 slugging percentage. All told, Thomas received more than a dozen offers to play at the next level.
“ScoutU and Jason Lauren provided Sierra a competitive advantage in her recruiting journey,” Sierra’s mom Rebecca Mattano said. “Jason was always available and quick to reply with excellent advice.” … READ MORE
Bogenschutz climbs mountain to D1 Grizzlies
October 25, 2022
By ScoutU Staff
Kate Bogenschutz played her first tournament on the Wisconsin PGA Junior Tour just last year. One month later, she carded a 79 at Whistling Straits – one of the most difficult courses in the region. Now after receiving three NCAA Division I offers, Bogenschutz has committed to play for the University of Montana.
That progression exemplifies just how fast things can move when you deliver athletically and have the right team around you. Bogenschutz won every North Shore Conference meet this season while collecting her second straight Player of the Year award.
“I received too many emails to count!” she said. “I talked to many schools after enrolling in ScoutU. It was a great help!” … READ MORE
Buske commits to D1 South Dakota State
October 17, 2022
By Jon Feyen
College softball coaches and players agree – if you can control the opponent’s running game, it gives you a significant advantage. Mia Buske’s 1.53 pop time will definitely be an asset to South Dakota State University, which she verbally committed to last month.
Buske, a 2024 ScoutU catcher from West Bend, Wis., has been playing softball since age 8. She’s also a threat on offense, hitting .380 with 11 extra-base hits during last summer’s club season.
“Mia has been with ScoutU since freshman year of high school,” Mia’s parents, Brian and Kim, said. “So, from the beginning of this process, Jason Lauren has been there for Mia and us.” … READ MORE
Giordano joins legendary Saints program
July 16, 2022
By Jon Feyen
Emmanuel College Coach Andy Yosinoff knows how to identify talent. During his five decades of coaching, Yosinoff has made 21 NCAA Tournament appearances and won 95% of his conference games. His most recent commit is Angelina Giordano, a 2022 ScoutU guard from Chicago.
Emmanuel – located in Boston – features players from the East Coast, as well as Florida, Maine and China. Giordano will add a Midwest presence to the roster as she brings great leadership, playmaking and defensive skills to the Saints.
“Right as I stepped foot on campus, I knew this school was the one for me,” Giordano said. … READ MORE
Hall selects D3 contender Transylvania
April 30, 2022
By Jon Feyen
There are many adults who like to say how they could’ve played in college, but just didn’t get the opportunity. Keaton Hall will never be one of those people. After being contacted by more than 90 schools from 30 states and receiving double-digit offers, Hall recently committed to play for Transylvania University in Kentucky.
“It was a dream come true, especially with all that has happened in the last couple of years with the pandemic,” Hall said. “I started playing basketball very late in life and did not decide to play at the next level until my sophomore year. I knew I was already behind because many players were already being recruited during freshman year. I worked as hard as I could to make an impact.”
Transylvania won 27 consecutive games last season in advancing to the NCAA Division III Elite Eight. … READ MORE
Theimer achieves soccer dream at Utica
February 27, 2022
By Jon Feyen
College soccer isn’t just filled with the most talented players. To reach that high competition, you must have a strong work ethic, passion and intelligence. Defender Nick Theimer owns all of those qualities, and that’s why he’ll soon be playing for Utica University in New York.
“I have always wanted to play soccer at a level where everyone was as passionate and dedicated to the sport as I am,” Theimer said. “I am confident that’s exactly what I will find by joining this great squad.”
Theimer is the example of a true student-athlete with his 4.0 GPA. The Arizona native also scored a 29 on the ACT. Multiple programs were interested in Theimer, and he ended up receiving four offers. … READ MORE
Ott to suit up for Taylor University Trojans
February 10, 2022
By Jon Feyen
Kacey Ott has always been a winner. She’s helped Slinger High School win multiple basketball conference titles while also earning a regional high jump championship. Ott will join another winning tradition when she continues her basketball career at Taylor University, an NAIA school in Indiana.
During the last three seasons, Taylor University has totaled a 79-16 record, including a 48-2 mark at home.
“Taylor is also a very high academic liberal arts college,” Ott said. “It’s ranked No. 1 in the Midwest and in the top 10 percent of the nation’s colleges. The campus is a good size, but yet has smaller class sizes. They offer tons of activities and have very cool school traditions.” … READ MORE
Kringel chooses Division I UW-Green Bay
January 29, 2022
By Jon Feyen
Paeton Kringel is used to excelling whenever she competes. Even though she was named Team MVP of her school’s tennis and basketball teams, her best sport is softball. Kringel will continue that softball career after recently committing to pitch for the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, an NCAA Division I program.
“I am extremely thankful and excited to continue playing softball at UWGB for the next 4 years,” Kringel said. “I absolutely loved everything about UW-Green Bay. I loved the campus, the coaches, the team and the energy and mentality the Phoenix family brought to the field every day. Go Phoenix!” … READ MORE
Daly to play for Hartwick College Hawks
January 21, 2022
By Jon Feyen
Jake Daly knows that about 7% of high school soccer players advance to play in college. But when you possess the skills and drive that Daly does, he became one of those select few. Recently, the 2022 ScoutU prospect committed to Hartwick College, an NCAA Division III school in New York.
“I am extremely excited to have this wonderful opportunity to play collegiate soccer at Hartwick, have the chance to win our conference and compete for a national championship,” Daly said. “Not many individuals out of high school even have the opportunity to play in college, so to receive this opportunity is truly life-changing.”
Daly helped Baldwinsville High School (N.Y.) compile a 12-4-2 record last fall. … READ MORE
Kislow’s search leads to Lakeland
January 13, 2022
By Jon Feyen
There are more than 1,500 colleges with a softball program. It’s not just the ones you see on TV or recognize from your local area. This means that if you want to explore all your options, you need to look far and wide. After talking with dozens of coaches, 2022 RHP/3B Paige Kislow committed to Lakeland University.
“ScoutU and its staff turned around my recruiting process tremendously,” Kislow said. “I went from having two colleges looking at me to dozens. It also gave me the opportunity to branch out and explore new colleges that have amazing programs academically and athletically.” … READ MORE