North Platte – The North Platte Community College Knights softball team announced the signing of eight new players for the 2017-18 season.
The recruits include Mikayla Gibson, Ally Oxborrow, Kamree Christensen, and Kenlee Wanlass from Utah; Ashlynn Krueger and Darkia Brown from Colorado; Janessa Dunton from Nevada; and Hailey Wilkins from Texas.
Mikayla Gibson, the daughter of Lance and Teresa Gibson, is from West Jordan, Utah and attends Hunter High School. Gibson plays primarily middle infield and also in the outfield. Gibson played on the Li’l Attitude and Evolution club softball teams.
Gibson said, “I decided to go to North Platte because I loved the school when I visited. I love softball and really wanted to continue to play and I saw myself being at North Platte.”
Ally Oxborrow, the daughter of Dave and Rhonda Oxborrow, is from Stansbury Park, Utah and received a Utah High School Athletic Association Region X Hororable Mention at Stansbury High School. Oxborrow has played on several club teams including: Chaos, Roadrunners, Scorcherz, Evo, and Avalanche. Her primary positions are catcher and third base, but has played other positions as well.
Osborrow said, “The college was a perfect fit for me! The curriculum as well as the softball program was everything I was looking for. All in all I couldn’t be more excited to play as a Knight!”
Wanlass and Christensen were teammates on the Nemesis club team.
Kenlee Wanlass, the daughter of Russell and Christine Wanlass, is from Elsinore, Utah and attends South Sevier High School, where she was a three-time varsity letter winner. She mainly plays catcher, but has played the corner infield positions as well.
“I have loved softball and been dedicated to it for as long as I can remember. I knew that I wanted to excel in softball not just in my high school years, but after high school as well. Playing on my club team, Nemesis, this past couple of years I have been exploring colleges and the options I would have moving on to the next level.” Wanlass said.
Wanlass listed several reasons why she chose to play for the Knights. “First, I enjoyed the visit to the campus. I like the size of the college and the atmosphere. Second, I liked Coach Higgins and the Softball program at North Platte. I believe it will be a great experience and will help me grow in many aspects of my life. Third, I will be with my pitcher, who is also one of my best friends. Not many people get the opportunity to attend and play a college sport with one of their teammates, and closest friends.” Wanlass said.
Kamree Christensen, the daughter of Justin and Nancy Christensen, is from Richfield, Utah and attends Richfield High School, where she led the team in home runs her sophomore year. She had 14 strikeouts in a game against Parawon and has lettered for three seasons.
Besides playing for the Nemesis, alongside Wanlass, Christensen also played for the Mayhem. She is a pitcher and a first baseman.
“I wanted to play for Coach Higgins. I thought it was the best fit for me and the best education plan for me.”
Janessa Dunton, the daughter of Paris Dunton and Jeffery Dodson, is from Las Vegas, Nev, and attends Veterans Tribute Career and Technical Academy. Her club teams include 16U Intensity, Rage, Aces, and currently the 18U Bombers.
Dunton is a utility player, having played all positions but pitcher.
Dunton said, “The coach was talking to me in the City of Lights showcase and the school had my major and that interested me. Then when I found out about the campus I fell in love with the school.”
Hailey Wilkins, the daughter of Chris and Shealia Wilkins, is from Brazoria, Texas and attends Angleton Christian School. Wilkins plays for the 18U Texas Elite club team, where she plays pitcher and the corner infield.
“NPCC is my college of choice because as soon as my first visit it felt like home to me. Coach Higgins and my future teammates made me feel welcome and a part of the family already!” Wilkins said, “I am excited to pursue my dreams playing softball for NPCC.”
Ashlynn Krueger, the daughter of Jeannie and Adam Krueger, is from Littleton, Colo., attends Arapahoe High School and plays for the Pony Express. Krueger is a pitcher and plays the corner infield positions. She was an All-league second team pitcher for three seasons, and received the Athletic Achievement Award the past two years.
“I chose NPCC because it seemed like a great fit for me. The town and school were just the size I was looking for, not too small, but not too big. I also like that it’s close to home.” Krueger said, “I also like the softball program, it’s tough and it will push me to be the best athlete I can be. It will also build my skill level and knowledge of the game. I like Coach Higgins and what she has to offer as a coach. I’m generally just excited to start school there!”
Darkia “Kia” Brown, the daughter of Daren and Dionne Brown, is from Highland Ranch, Colo., and attends Canyon High School. She is a pitcher, first baseman and designated hitter. She plays for the Prodigy Elite Racanelli and has played for the Thunder club teams. She was “Jaguar of the Month” and was a member of the Academic Team Championship.
Brown said, “I picked North Platte CC for the smaller class size and the education classes, also Coach Higgins. When I first came to her camp in 9th grade I told my dad I want to go to school there and play for her. She makes you work hard but is a positive coach. “
Knights Head Softball Coach Janelle Higgins said, “It’s always exciting to sign new athletes to our program, with the signing of these eight young ladies, they will add depth to our core positions as well as secondary positions as they all play multiple positions. Each one of these athletes bring their own flare, dedication and athleticism to our program that will only help elevate our level of play and community service driven focus of our program. We are excited to have them join our family and can’t wait for them to be on campus.”