Oskaloosa’s softball team is fresh off a state championship in 2016, and a loaded junior class continues to commit to play at the next level.
On Wednesday night, Alexis Westercamp and Aubrey Miller both signed their letter of intent to play collegiate softball at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa.
For Miller, who was this class’s first verbal commitment, this was an easy choice.
“When I first started talking to [Head Coach Laura North] I went in and looked at the team,” Miller said. “They looked very close and it’s almost like a family instead of a softball program. I feel that it will fit me perfectly and I’m so comfortable here and I’m so excited.”
Westercamp had a few other offers but ultimately decided on Hills as well.
“It’s close to home, I know that Coach North will push me to become the best athlete that I can become,” Westercamp explained. “I want to further my softball career and this was one of my better options that I found.”
Indian Hills coach and Oskaloosa native Laura North had both players on her radar for a while as she was piecing together her recruiting Class of ’17.
“Well obviously me being from Oskaloosa I’ve had a connection with these kids for a few years and have had the opportunity to watch them in my hometown,” North said.
As for Oskaloosa, Head Coach Jay Harms says there may be some pressure lifted off his players’ shoulders, but expect the Indians to play the same way.
“I don’t think it changes any approach from our standpoint,” Harms said. “The girls know where they’re going. No pressure on them. They can just go out and play. They don’t have to worry about trying to play in front of college coaches and say ‘Hey, am I going to get an offer?’ They can just go out and play freely because they know they are going to be an Indian Hills Warrior and we’re looking forward to having them for one more year. We had a great year last year and they are going to be a big part of the puzzle for us again this year.”
Miller and Westercamp join four-time All-State pitcher Alexis Groet in committing to play at the next level. Two weeks ago Groet signed with Des Moines Area Community College.
Indian Hills qualified as the #14 seed at the NJCAA Division I National Tournament before bowing out in the double-elimination tournament without a win. Osky alum Alexis Vroegh will be a part of this year’s team as well after signing before her senior campaign.
