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Oligney headed to Kirkwood

Iola-Scandinavia High School’s Jane Oligney is taking her softball skills to college.

The senior has verbally committed to play Division 2 softball at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

“To be completely honest, the recruiting process was the most stressful time of my life so far,” Oligney said. “There are so many different possibilities and options out there.”

She said Division 1, Division 2 and Division 3 programs had contacted her about playing softball.

“I had it narrowed down to about three different colleges,” she said. “In early October, I verbally committed with Kirkwood.”

Choosing Kirkwood was an easy decision for Oligney.

“Kirkwood seemed like a long-lost home as soon as I stepped onto campus,” she said. “Not only do they have exactly what I plan on majoring in, but it also is the best opportunity to continue my softball career.”

Kirkwood softball coach Joe Yegge is excited to have Oligney join his team.

“Jane is a good defensive catcher and offensively, she will produce power that we will need to add in that class,” he said. “We think she is a perfect fit for how we do things here at Kirkwood and we think she will be a great addition to continue the tradition of having great catchers.”

Playing Division 2 softball is a dream come true for Oligney.

“Ever since I was a little girl kicking all the boy’s butts in T-ball, I knew I wanted to play college ball,” she said. “It is amazing to finally see all that time and effort paying off. I cannot wait to see my future as a Kirkwood Eagle.”

Oligney said she was not able to achieve this goal on her own.

“Without the help of all my coaches and teammates, I would not have had this opportunity,” she said. “The people surrounding me made me the ballplayer I am today. I am blessed to have the support and love from my community.”

Oligney will be attending Kirkwood on an academic and athletic scholarship.

“If everything goes as planned, Kirkwood will be a very cost-efficient choice for my family and me,” she said. “Sports are everything to me, but school always comes first. Receiving all A’s every quarter of the school year is a must. I pride myself on getting good grades and I am very proud to call myself a student-athlete.”

Oligney plans on going into the pre-medical field to eventually become an oncologist.

“After finishing my two years at Kirkwood, I want to play high-level D1 or D2 softball somewhere with a great medical program,” she said. “After completing my four years of college, I will then apply for medical school.”

Oligney is the daughter of Darrell and Julie Oligney of Iola.

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