November 20, 2024

By Jon Feyen
ScoutU

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. “Kaylee can hit to all fields and is a very versatile player, being able to play third base, catcher and outfield. I’m sure she will have a great career at Upper Iowa!”

Marhefke loved the small-town community of Upper Iowa, located in Fayette. She has attended multiple camps at UIU, and the program always made her feel welcomed. Marhefke puts great importance on team culture, and coaches are confident she will be an asset to the Peacocks.

“Her leadership on and off the field was an important factor for our team,” Wisconsin Fear Coach Kylee Vanden Langenburg said. “Her confidence radiates through the team and has a way of influencing her teammates around her to express confidence. Kaylee’s coachability and willingness to learn and become better at the game is infectious.”

Marhefke dreamt of playing college softball since she was a little girl. Now, she’ll not only get the chance to play another 4 years, but also study at a school with a good business program.

“Knowing Kaylee was behind in the recruiting process with barely any exposure, Jason jumped into action,” Jessica Marhefke said. “He had a very thorough meeting to learn about Kaylee as a person and a player, including her preferences, her personality and her desires to further her athletic and academic career. We really appreciate the insights provided. After learning the process of recruiting, I would recommend this to any parent with an athlete who wants a better understanding and process for college athletics and exposure.”