BELGRADE – Two members from the Belgrade state champion softball team are continuing their athletic careers on the diamond into college.
On Tuesday, Kaleigh Bauerle signed on to become a utility player with Pacific University in Oregon. Meanwhile, Erin Elgas is shipping across the country and heading to the Ivy League as she committed to pitch for Brown University.
For Bauerle, it took only one day for her to attend a Boxers summer camp and receive an offer from the school.
“It was very quick and kind of a surprise, but it was one of those things where I was like, ‘Yes,’ because I knew I wanted to go there. I did a campus tour the day before the camp and kind of learned a lot about the school, and I was like, ‘Yeah, this is really where I want to spend the next four years,'” said Bauerle.
For Elgas, getting away for an amazing education was key.
“I’ve been telling my parents since I was little that I was going to go across the country and get out of here,” Elgas smiled. “And I managed to do that and found a good school in the east, so I’m really excited.”
The pair have won a state title together and have now checked college off their lists. It seems like most things they wanted to achieve in high school have been completed, but they still have one more season in Panther uniforms and they want to cherish this last ride.
“I just want one more fun season with all my friends, and just whatever happens at the end of the season happens, but as long as I’m enjoying it I’m going to be happy,” said Elgas.
“We are playing for our team, for our friends, for our teammates. It’s not really focusing on winning another state title,” said Bauerle. “I’ve played with these girls since I was 8 years old, so just this last season to go out with a bang with everybody is really what I’m looking forward to.”
