Three Washington County high school students sat down at their schools Wednesday and signed their National Letters of Intent to play collegiate athletics.
Arlington senior Kailynn Gubbels pledged to Iowa State track and field, while Blair Bears Luke Ladwig and Anna Moore signed with Wartburg College basketball and College of Saint Mary golf, respectively.
Gubbels picks Iowa State
After clearing 5 feet, 10 inches in the high jump last spring, colleges' recruiting interest in Gubbels came to a boil.
“There were highs and lows, and it was a little stressful, but it was also very enjoyable,” the 2021 Gatorade Player of the Year said.
The AHS standout — who set various school and Class B records last spring in high jump and the hurdles — visited three schools and met multiple coaches she learned from along the way.
“I'm just super blessed and excited,” Gubbels said.
On Tuesday, the senior made her college destination official. The Eagle is set to become an Iowa State Cyclone next school year.
Ames was her first official visit and it left an impression.
“There was a feeling there, like, 'Oh, I really like this place,'” Gubbels said. “I loved the coaches. I love what they are doing with their program.”
Still, she tried to keep an open mind with two more college visits ahead. Those went well, but the AHS senior arrived back at the same conclusion.
“Iowa State just felt like the right place to be,” she said.
The NCAA Division I, Big 12 school is led by director of track and field, Jeremy Sudbury. Gubbels, who has two coaches for parents, Steven and Leslie, said her connection with the Cyclone staff was key to her decision.
“Their coaches, it felt like they believed in me,” she said. “They barely have seen what I can do — they barely know me — but they believe in me.”
The all-stater signed her National Letter of Intent in front of teammates, coaches and friends, but also while wearing a medical boot on her foot. The injury cost her the closing weeks of her senior volleyball season, but she expects to be back to her athletic self soon.
“I'm doing a lot of recovery, keeping my heart rate up, and I'll be ready before you know it,” Gubbels said.
The state record-holder will soon be a Cyclone, but she's still an Eagle with goals ahead of her.
Two more AHS students — Gracie Herman and Barrett Nielsen — are signed to colleges, too, according to the Omaha World-Herald. Herman is committed to Doane softball, while Barrett Nielsen will compete with the Dakota Wesleyan track and field team.
Ladwig picks Wartburg
On the same day they opened their season at Cornell College, the Wartburg College Knights of Waverly, Iowa, picked up a new recruit from Blair.
Ladwig made his college destination official Wednesday, signing with the American Rivers Conference school less than a week before the start of his own BHS practices.
“I'm pumped,” the senior said. “I think it's going to be really exciting.”
Ladwig, who led the Bears in scoring as a junior, picked the NCAA Division III school after visiting.
“As soon as I got there, there was a connection,” he said. “The coaches are amazing. It's one of my favorite coaching staffs.”
The guard also liked Wartburg's facilities and people.
“It's a great program,” Ladwig said. “I just can see myself making a big impact there.”
The senior was happy to make his college decision early, too. He'll now focus on helping Blair to its second-straight state tournament after a 15-year absence. Last winter, the guard led the Bears in scoring with 10.7 points per outing.
Moore continues golf career
Moore's plan all along was to play college golf.
“That's just what I've been working for,” the Blair senior said Wednesday. “So, I can golf through high school and golf through college, and just make the most of it.”
The Class B state medalist joins the College of Saint Mary program in Omaha after finishing 15th during last month's state tourney.
“It's just a really nice school,” said Moore, who picked the Flames for golf, but also for their institution's nursing program.
The BHS Bear joins former high school teammate Torrie Loudner on the squad.
“Torrie didn't know at all,” Moore said. “Coach (Keri) Rodriguez said something to her yesterday after I said that I was committing, and Torrie was just surprised.”
The Blair pairing will help the Flames take on Great Plains Athletic Conference competition beginning next school year.
