STRIKE: Kohl signs with Northwestern
By Matt Gengler, Sports Editor
sports@missourivalleytimes.com
The confidence she zones in for her money pitch from the pitching circle was exactly the way she felt signing her letter of intent on Nov. 22, when Missouri Valley pitching standout signed her letter of intent to continue playing softball at Northwestern College (Orange City) starting in the fall of 2025-26.
“I’m relieved the decision process is over, and am really excited for the next opportunity,” stated Kohl. “I was really stressed when trying to make the final decision that was right for me, and I wanted to have this decision made before the holidays. A huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders, and I’m extremely excited to see what can happen while at Northwestern.”
Kohl has been involved in softball from an early age, starting club softball at the age of 10, where she developed her true passion for this sport. She has both grown and matured from the sport, teaching her many life lessons.
“I had already put so much time and effort into travel ball, I knew softball was for me,” Kohl stated. “Softball has given me a sense of belonging, being able to lead, being with a team, it has created so many lifelong memories. I think softball is more than just a game, I have learned countless amounts of lessons and met some amazing people along the way.”
Kohl was receiving looks from several colleges, including Northwestern (Orange City), Simpson (Indianola), Kansas Wesleyan (Salina, Kan.), Midland (Fremont, Neb.), Grandview (Des Moines), Loras (Dubuque), and Coe (Cedar Rapids),
“Once I made my initial visit, it just felt like home and it would be the perfect school for me,” Kohl added. “I visited with the coach, had coffee with the players, and was able to watch some practices. I got the feeling of home there, and knew that’s where I wanted to begin the next part of my life’s journey.”
The decision for Kohl was both difficult and easy combined into one. She started visiting colleges early in her junior year (2023), and never found a school that was a great fit. She was becoming worried when she hadn’t found a spot, but then she found Northwestern.
“After being on campus that day, I just had that ‘feeling’ everyone talks about,” Kohl added. “I knew this was going to be the perfect school for me, and committed shortly after. I felt I had a voice and a great sense of belonging, as the team was very supportive.”
Kohl added she couldn’t have completed this process without the support of her family, coaches and teammates. They have all been super supportive.
Kohl concluded, “My biggest adjustment will the the new environment, and being away from home,” she added. “It will be difficult, but a good adjustment, as the chemistry is different with every team. I’m looking forward to growing and improving my skills, while making new connections. I’m so greatful for this opportunity.”
Kohl, a three-year starter for the Lady Reds, currently has 66 career wins, and is 158 strikeouts away from the high school career strikeout total (1,025). She currently holds school records for single season home runs (8 – 2024), career home runs (18), and has tied Krista (Unger) Wood for single season victories (28 – 2023).
Audrie is the daughter of Jason and Carrie Kohl, as she plans to major in Business Management, and minor in marketing.
