January 13, 2022

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU

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.”

Lakeland, an NCAA Division III school in Wisconsin, is adding a versatile player who’s a threat both in the circle and the batter’s box.

“Paige has solid velocity on her fastball at 59 mph, and her control and location keeps hitters off balance,” ScoutU’s Jason Lauren said. “She also is a very good hitter, oftentimes hitting in the No. 3, 4 or 5 spot. It was a pleasure helping Paige with her recruiting, and I’m confident she will excel at Lakeland.”

During her junior season at D.C. Everest High School (Wis.), Kislow posted a .516 batting average in conference play. She also counted a 2.54 ERA while pitching.

“I am super excited to get the opportunity to play softball at the next level,” she said. “It has been a dream of mine since I decided softball was my go-to sport, and it still seems unreal that the dream is actually coming true.”

When visiting Lakeland, Kislow felt like she belonged. Coach Tammy Utley showed her what to expect over the next 4 years.

“The coaching staff, atmosphere and energy from the girls truly stood out to me,” Kislow said. “The staff was super supportive during my high school and summer seasons last year, always checking up. The girls’ energy there truly stood out. It was like nothing I had seen before when getting to meet players on the team.”

Kislow knows that it takes a team effort to accomplish big goals. ScoutU was proud to be by her side as she achieved her dream of playing college softball.

“ScoutU helped me tremendously,” Kislow said. “I got emails and texts from so many colleges all over the United States. It gave me the opportunity to look at colleges I have never heard about. I had talks with numerous coaches about the possibility of playing for them. Then, I really looked into those programs and what the schools offered academically before making my final choice.”