By Jared Williams & Ethan Wobken/Gator Galaxy Staff

On Wednesday, Nov. 11, eight North Star student-athletes signed with colleges. Six of them to Division I schools, while the other two are attending Division II schools.

Senior Triston Simpson signed to play basketball for the University of South Dakota, a Division I college in the Summit League Conference. The three-year starter chose to go to USD because he thought it was the best fit for him. Head coach Craig Smith spent two years as an assistant coach at Nebraska under men’s basketball coach Tim Miles, before going to USD. Simpson plans to major in Business Administration.

Senior Elaina Mayer signed with Boise State to play softball. She was a four-year starter at centerfield. She has broken many school records including most stolen bases in a season, most stolen bases in a career, most hits in a career, best career batting average, most singles in a career, and most runs scored in a career. She also made the Omaha World-Herald All-Nebraska Second Team, Class A All-State Second Team, and Lincoln Journal Star’s All-State Honorable Mention.

Seniors Bailey Bolles and Bobbi Singleton, both four-year starters on the varsity softball team, signed with South Dakota State University. Bolles plays shortstop while Singleton plays catcher.

Senior Ashley Meyer signed with the University of Sioux Falls (S.D.) for softball. She has played for North Star on the varsity team for two years after she moved from Idaho her junior year. When she took her official visit to Sioux Falls, she said it felt like home and she knew right away it was the school for her.

Senior Sarah Allick committed to NCAA Division II Augustana for volleyball. Augustana’s head coach is Dan Meske, who was an assistant volleyball coach at Nebraska for eight years. “Dan is one of the main reasons I’m going there,” Allick said. “He was one of the first coaches to come watch me play when he was at Nebraska and he was a huge factor in me committing there.”

Another big factor for Allick to go to Augustana is their strong Pre-Med program, where she plans on majoring in biochemistry.

Senior Trevor Marreel plans to attend Washburn University in Topeka, Kan. to play baseball. He has played varsity two years. Marreel plays first base and is a starting pitcher for North Star. Marreel feels excited and confident to get started with workouts and practice at Washburn. Marreel has some advice for freshman. “Get in the weight room early and make sure you work hard to prepare for the season.” 

Finally, senior Jazzmyn Pekarek-Agbo signed with Kansas State University for rowing. She has no prior rowing experience, but has played volleyball, basketball, and track and field. The coach recruited her for her hard work and dedication.