Mikenzi Wiseman listened to her heart when making her decision on which college to commit to play softball.
The North Platte softball star had two Division I walk-on offers, five Division II offers, and a slew of Division III and NAIA offers, but when she visited the campus of Southwest Minnesota State University and met head coach Jamie Dunn, she felt it was where she was meant to play.
“I knew the second I met Coach Dunn that SMSU is where I wanted to play. I knew Coach Dunn was the kind of coach I wanted to play for.” Wiseman said. “She’s intense, she’s a serious competitor, she was an amazing college player, & I can’t wait to be coached by her.”
Wiseman, unlike most kids heading off to college, didn’t want to remain close to home.
“I had plenty offers from Nebraska, Colorado, & Kansas schools, but my desire was further away. My sister graduated from college in Hollywood, California this past summer. I spent a week with her there before her graduation and loved it, but I didn’t want to go quite that far away from home.”
“Playing NCAA softball isn’t going to allow me time for anything other than softball and academics, so it doesn’t matter if I am an hour away from home or eight hours. I probably won’t be making it home much anyway, so that also influenced my decision when finalizing my choices in colleges.”
Wiseman could be looking at potential playing time next year as a freshman.
“We are in need of a catcher that can come in and make an instant impact by competing for a starting position as a freshman. ” Stated Coach Dunn. “I know that with Kenzi’s work ethic and passion for the game, she can definitely help us behind the plate.”