News Summary

Lauren Sandholm, a talented junior from Ankeny Centennial High School, has committed to play softball for Mississippi State University. Despite not playing in high school last summer, Lauren honed her skills with Select Fastpitch Alvarado 18U. She finished her freshman season with an impressive .302 batting average and a pitching record of 14-7, demonstrating her dual threats as a pitcher and infielder. Ankeny residents are excited to support their local star as she embarks on this collegiate journey.

Exciting News from Ankeny: Softball Star Sets Her Sights on Mississippi State

In Ankeny, Iowa, the air is buzzing with excitement as Lauren Sandholm, a talented junior from Ankeny Centennial High School, has officially committed to play softball for Mississippi State University. This news comes as a delightful surprise to local fans and sports enthusiasts who have been following her incredible journey in the world of softball.

The Making of a Star

While Lauren may not have participated in high school softball last summer, she has been busy honing her skills with Select Fastpitch Alvarado 18U, showcasing her remarkable talent and dedication. Little did we know, the softball diamond would soon become the stage for her next big leap!

Lauren made her commitment public on X (previously known as Twitter), sharing her heartfelt gratitude for all the support she has received throughout her softball journey. It’s amazing to see how a supportive community can help nurture and develop young talent!

A Glance at Her Impressive Stats

In her freshman season, Lauren proved that she’s not just a promising player but a serious contender. She finished with a laudable batting average of .302, hitting a home run in a total of 33 games while racking up 53 plate appearances. What’s more, she demonstrated her agility on the bases by stealing six bases.

But don’t let her hitting prowess distract you from her pitching skills! Lauren’s pitching record stands at 14-7, with two saves under her belt. Over an impressive stretch of 132-plus innings pitched, she struck out a whopping 150 batters, showing that she can hold her ground against some of the toughest lineups in Iowa. With an earned run average of 1.58, she consistently kept opponents on their toes while allowing 102 hits and walking 30 batters. Talk about making a statement!

Excitement for the Future

Identifying as both a pitcher and a middle infielder, Lauren’s passion for the game shines through her social media. With her recent commitment to Mississippi State, she expressed tremendous excitement for donning the Bulldogs uniform. It’s a dream come true for her, and fans can’t help but share in her enthusiasm!

Mississippi State’s softball program, under the leadership of Coach Samantha Ricketts, has a strong reputation. With Ricketts now in her seventh season, the Bulldogs have made remarkable strides in the NCAA Tournament, reaching the Super Regional round in 2022 and maintaining appearances in the tournament for the past two seasons. Last season, the Bulldogs finished with a solid 39-19 record, tying for fourth in the SEC. Under Ricketts’ guidance, the team has consistently won at least 34 games in a single season on four occasions, making them a formidable force in collegiate softball.

Local Support and Community Pride

Lauren’s commitment is not just a testament to her hard work and talent; it also speaks volumes about the support she has received from her local community. Ankeny residents are cheering for their star athlete, eager to watch her take the next steps in her softball career. It’s heartwarming to see how local pride can uplift such talented individuals and propel them to greatness!

As Lauren sets her sights on wearing that coveted Mississippi State uniform, both her community and fans alike can look forward to following her journey in collegiate softball. The future is bright for this Ankeny star, and we can’t wait to see her shine at the next level!

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