While Creston High School doesn’t have its Homecoming until the week of Sept. 28, Creston junior Cora Smith has already found where she’ll be going home collegiately.
Smith announced her commitment to play softball at Iowa State on her social media Sunday afternoon.
“I’m staying home!” Smith wrote in her announcement. “I’m excited to announce my commitment to continue my academic and softball career at Iowa State University. It’s been a dream come true to have the opportunity to play the sport I love for this Division 1 school.”
In her sophomore year, the 5-9 Smith ran a team best 200 and 400 meter dash – 25.70 seconds and 57.77 seconds respectively – and recorded a personal best long jump at 16-03.50. Her 400 meter dash time placed her sixth at State in Class 3A.
In softball, Smith finished the season with 28 runs scored, three home runs, 13 runs drove in, a batting average of .368, an on-base percentage of .455 and a fielding percentage of .909.
For Creston head softball coach Gracie Hagle, her commitment is a reflection of not only her ability on the field, but also the type of teammate she has become.
“Cora brings so much more to the Creston Softball program than just what she does on the field,” Hagle said. “She is an incredibly hardworking, competitive, and selfless player who is always willing to do whatever she needs to do to help her team and improve as a player. Cora is the type of teammate who makes the players around her better and shows her teammates what hard work and dedication can do.”
Smith still has two seasons remaining in a Creston uniform, giving her plenty of time to continue developing before she heads to Ames. Hagle said she is looking forward to seeing Smith embrace the opportunity that comes with knowing she will continue her career at the Division I level.
“As her coach, I am most excited to see Cora continue to grow into the player I know she can become,” Hagle said. “Now that she knows she has the opportunity to play at the next level, I am excited to see her embrace that challenge while continuing to enjoy the game that she loves so much.”
In her announcement, Smith thanked the people who have supported her throughout her softball career, including her family, friends, neighbors and the Creston community.
“First and foremost, I want to thank my parents, my family, friends, neighbors, and community for their endless love and support,” Smith wrote. “Thank you to Iowa Premier Fastpitch and the incredible coaches. Greg Dickel, Paige Shannon, Josh Chronic, Josie Chronic Rasmussen, Olivia Paz, Meg Bahl and countless others have believed in me from the start and helped me grow both as a player and as a person.”
Smith also expressed her appreciation to the Iowa State coaching staff for giving her the opportunity to continue her softball career in Ames.
“Another huge thank you to Coach Pinkerton, Coach Sinnott, Coach Ubrun, Coach Ochoa, and Sydney Albaugh Hartman for believing in me and giving me this amazing opportunity!,” Smith said.
For Hagle, who also played high school softball for Creston and went on to play college softball at Grand View, Smith’s commitment carries an additional significance.
“This commitment is very meaningful to me as I know firsthand what it means to grow up in Creston, wear the Panther uniform, and have the opportunity to play college softball,” Hagle said. “I remember watching the girls who came before me and dreaming about doing the same thing someday. To now be able to coach Cora and watch her earn the opportunity to represent Creston at Iowa State is incredibly special.”
Smith closed her announcement by looking ahead to her future in Ames.
“I can’t wait to be part of Cyclone Nation and continue my journey in Ames!” Smith said.
