Recruiting Report: Where are area athletes going?
Apr. 15—ROCHESTER — Throughout the school year, offers flood in from universities and colleges looking to recruit high school athletes in our region to the next level.
The recruitment process isn't known to be short as some universities spend years building a relationship with the athlete before a scholarship offer is even on the table. Even after an athlete accepts an offer, the recruiting process is never over until they sign on the dotted line.
With that in mind, here are the area athletes who've currently received collegiate offers and the current status of their recruitments.
Which athletes are we missing on our list? Email Pat Ruff at
to have them added.
School: Winona Cotter
Sport: Basketball/Guard
Status: Verbal commitment to Eastern Illinois University
School: Caledonia
Sport: Football/Running back
Status: Official commitment to Winona State University
School: Caledonia
Sport: Soccer
Status: Official commitment to Rochester Community and Technical College
School: Pine Island
Sport: Track and Field
Status: Official commitment to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Clarie
School: Caledonia
Sport: Wrestling
Status: Official commitment to North Iowa Area Community College
School: Caledonia
Sport: Wrestling
Status: Official commitment to Upper Iowa University
School: Caledonia
Sport: Baseball
Status: Official commitment to Augsburg University
School: Caledonia
Sport: Volleyball/Outside hitter
Status: Official commitment to Concordia University, St. Paul
School: Caledonia
Sport: Softball
Status: Official commitment to University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
School: Caledonia
Sport: Men's Volleyball
Status: Official commitment to University of Viterbo
School: Caledonia
Sport: Volleyball
Status: Official commitment to Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
School: Byron
Sport: Basketball/Guard
Status: Verbal commitment to the University of North Dakota
School: Pine Island
Sport: Baseball/Pitcher
Status: Verbal commitment to South Dakota State University
School: Fillmore Central
Sport: Football/Wide receiver
Status: Official commitment to Winona State University
School: Stewartville
Sport: Football/Tight end
Status: Official commitment to Kansas State University
School: Lake City
Sport: Basketball/Guard
Status: Verbal commitment to the University of Minnesota Crookston
School: St. Charles
Sport: Basketball/Guard
Status: Official commitment to Rochester Community and Technical College
School: Century
Sport: Basketball/Forward
Status: Official commitment to Minnesota State University Moorhead
School: John Marshall
Sport: Football/Safety
Status: Official commitment to Augustana University
School: Rushford-Peterson
Sport: Basketball/Forward
Status: Official commitment to North Iowa Area Community College
School: Mayo
Sport: Football/Receiver
Status: Official commitment to Bemidji State University
School: Stewartville
Sport: Basketball/Guard
Status: Verbal commitment to Hamline University
School: Stewartville
Sport: Football/Quarterback
Status: Verbal commitment to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
AZERI THIEMANN
School: Mayo
Sport/Position: Basketball/Forward
Status: Commitment to Briar Cliff University
Go Chargers!!! #committed pic.twitter.com/lDfRCQot4C
— azeri (@azerithiemann1) August 31, 2023
TYLER CONNELLY
School: Byron
Sport: Football/Linebacker
Status: Verbal commitment to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Grateful to announce my commitment to @UWECFootball I would like to thank all my coaches for making this possible!! @CoachMcHugh62 @CoachE_Blugolds @CoachHalder @ByronMNFootball pic.twitter.com/JjkzMxIQ4o
— Tyler Connelly (@tylerconnelly16) December 18, 2023
NOLAN RADTKE
School: John Marshall
Sport: Football/Linebacker
Status: Verbal commitment to Bemidji State University
John Marshall Football — Nolan Radtke
John Marshall senior Nolan Radtke on Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2023, in Rochester.
Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin
JORDAN TORNSTROM
School: Caledonia
Sport: Football/Lineman
Status: Verbal commitment to Upper Iowa University
I'm proud to announce my commitment to Upper Iowa to play Defensive End!! Thank you coaches for everything! @Coach_Hoskins @Upper_Iowa_FB #Peacocks pic.twitter.com/QvvZOOkSIT
— Jordan Tornstrom (@TornstromJordan) December 13, 2023
PAYTON JAX
School: Byron
Sport: Football/Lineman
Status: Verbal commitment to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Yesssirrrr!! Proud of this guy! https://t.co/u6Cop3Ipok
— Adam Glynn (@AdamGlynn31) December 11, 2023
JACK DORNACK
School: Chatfield
Sport: Baseball/Catcher
Status: Commitment to Luther College
Dornack.jpg
Jack Dornack
KATE NOVAK
School: John Marshall
Sport: Softball
Status: Commitment to Viterbo University.
Congrats to Kate Novak on signing with @SoftballViterbo today. Hard work pays off, and success is well earned. #RocketFamily pic.twitter.com/8TQMhwrFwp
— JM Rocket Fastpitch (@jmfastpitch) November 18, 2023
Aydan Tye
School: Byron
Sport: Soccer
Status: Verbal commitment to Wartburg College (Iowa)
Tye.jpg
Aydan Tye
Jack Boraas
School: Zumbrota-Mazeppa
Sport: Football/Lineman
Status: Verbal commitment to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Adam Myren
School: Mayo
Sport: Track and field/High jump
Status: Commitment to North Dakota State University.
Myran.jpg
Ava Killian
School: Winona Cotter
Sport: Soccer/Forward
Status: Commitment to University of Minnesota Duluth
Killian.jpg
Madison Hazelton
School: Winona Cotter
Sport: Softball
Status: Commitment to Valley City State University (N.D.)
St. Charles, Winona Cotter Subsection 1AA softball
Winona Cotter's Madison Hazelton (7) delivers a pitch during a Subsection 1, Class 2 softball game against St. Charles on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at City Park in St. Charles.
Traci Westcott / Post Bulletin file photo
Carson Jones
School: Winona
Sport: Baseball/Pitcher
Status: Commitment to Winona State University
072223-Redhawks v Winona Legion Substate Final
Winona's Carson Jones throws the ball to first base after fielding a ground ball during the championship game of the SubState 1 American Legion baseball tournament against the Rochester Redhawks on Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Mayo High School in Rochester.
Daniel Jacobi II / Post Bulletin
Natalie Beaver
School: Hayfield
Sport: Basketball/Forward
Status: Commitment to Luther College
SO excited to be a Norse!! #committed pic.twitter.com/wTkFExfnk6
— Natalie Beaver (@nataliebeaver24) December 3, 2023
Ethan Tober
School: Winona Cotter
Sport: Soccer
Status: Commitment to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Avery Engbrecht
School: Winona
Sport: Hockey
Status: Commitment to University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
Faith Quinn
School: Winona
Sport: Soccer
Status: Commitment to Winona State University
Section 1AA girls soccer championship
Winona's Faith Quinn lifts the Section 1AA championship plaque after the Winhawks beat Byron 2-1 in the Section 1AA championship on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2022 at Art Hass Stadium in Austin.
Alex VandenHouten / Post Bulletin
Marin Keller
School: Winona
Sport: Golf
Status: Committed to South Dakota School of Mines
Grant Reed
School: Goodhue
Sport: Football/Running back, linebacker
Status: Verbal commitment to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Goodhue vs Blooming Prairie Football
Goodhue Grant Reed (28) looks for room to run during a Mid Southeast District game against Blooming Prairie on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, in Blooming Prairie.
Andrew Link / Post Bulletin
Carter Holcomb
School: Mayo
Sport: Football/Receiver
Status: Verbal commitment to Winona State University
Mayo vs. Lakeville South Football
Mayo's Carter Holcomb (11) catches a pass for a touchdown during a high school football game against Lakeville South on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at Mayo High School in Rochester.
Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin
Jordana Windhorst Knudsen
School: Lake City
Sport: Golf
Status: Commitment to Queens University of Charlotte
Section 1AA girls golf
Lake City's Jordana Windhorst-Knudsen tees off during the Section 1AA girls golf meet on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Northern Hills Golf Course in Rochester.
Traci Westcott / Post Bulletin file photo
Ella Matzke
School: Lake City
Sport: Golf
Status: Commitment to Concordia University, St. Paul
blessed to announce my commitment to play division ll golf at concordia st. paul! thank you to all my family, friends, teammates, and coaches for your endless support over the years! pic.twitter.com/PvYPXkU6DU
— Ella Matzke (@MatzkeElla) November 13, 2023
Harrison Esau
School: Century
Sport: Baseball/Catcher
Status: Verbal commitment to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
Excited to announce my commitment to Eau Claire #rollblugolds pic.twitter.com/xeCLeb7WvB
— Harrison Esau (@HarrisonEsau2) November 28, 2023
Arabella Knudson
School: Kasson-Mantorville
Sport: Track and Field/Sprints
Status: Verbal commitment to Minnesota State University, Mankato
@MinnStTrackXC pic.twitter.com/BCHkGVSniC
— Arabella Knudson (@arabellaknudson) December 1, 2023
Tayler Helgemoe
School: Rushford-Peterson
Sport: Basketball/Forward
Status: Official commitment to North Iowa Area Community College
officially official #stayingatrojan@NIACCWBball @CoachVaught @RPTrojansJLoney @AirMinnesota pic.twitter.com/kkJLL8ZtdR
— Tayler Helgemoe (@TaylerHelgemoe5) November 21, 2023
Lexi Foster
School: Grand Meadow
Sport: Track and field/Throws
Status: Commitment to the University of Northern Iowa
Foster photo.jpg
GMLOKS junior Lexy Foster shows off her first-place medal after winning the Class A state title in the shot put on Friday, June 9, 2023, at the state track-and-field meet at St. Michael-Albertville.
Contributed / Maggie May
Ava Miller
School: Mayo
Sport: Basketball/Center
Status: Commitment to University of South Carolina Upstate
Mayo vs. Farmington Rotary Holiday Classic Girls Basketball
Mayo's Ava Miller (15) is introduced before a Rotary Holiday Classic girls basketball game against Farmington on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.
Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin
Chase Gasner
School: Mayo
Sport: Baseball/Catcher
Status: Verbal commitment to North Iowa Area Community College
Im excited to announce that I will be continuing my baseball career at NIACC. To all coaches that have helped me be who I am, Thank You. I can't wait for the next chapter in my life, and what's to come after! The work is just starting. Go Trojans! pic.twitter.com/ZaMGrBqONL
— Chase Gasner (@GasnerChase) October 23, 2023
Paige Halder
School: Byron
Sport: Track and Field/Sprints, Jumps
Status: Commitment to North Dakota State University
Roll Herd!! @NDSUTrackField pic.twitter.com/9K2ZmOYBPe
— Paige Halder (@PaigeHalder) October 22, 2023
Spencer Anderson
School: Kasson-Mantorville
Sport: Baseball/Pitcher
Status: Verbal commitment to the University of Wisconsin-Stout
I'm excited to announce my commitment to UW Stout to further my academic and athletic career. I'd like to thank all my coaches, family, and friends for their support.#BLEEDBLUE@UWStoutBaseball @KoMetBaseball @KM_Activities pic.twitter.com/yjGBjy02Be
— Spencer Anderson (@spencerpa10) September 28, 2023
Megan Lund
School: Century
Sport: Track and Field/Sprints and Jumps
Status: Commitment to the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Rochester All-City Invite Track Meet
Century's Megan Lund finishes the last leg of the 4x100 meter relay during the Rochester All-City Invite Track Meet on Friday, May 19, 2023, at Mayo High School in Rochester.
Traci Westcott / Post Bulletin
Taylor Clarey
School: Century
Sport: Basketball/Guard
Status: Commitment to Lake Superior State University
I'm super excited to announce my verbal commitment to play DII basketball and continue my academic career at Lake Superior State University!! I want to thank my family, coaches, teammates, friends, and everyone who has been apart of my journey. Go lakers!! pic.twitter.com/vXNO7jPFD7
— Taylor Clarey (@TaylorClarey) September 4, 2023
Bailey Klote
School: Century
Sport: Basketball/Forward
Status: Commitment to Morningside University
100% COMMITTED❤️@morningsidewbb @Century_GBB pic.twitter.com/K2avB2shRG
— Bailey Klote (@BaileyKlote) August 22, 2023
Jadyn Lester
School: Mayo
Sport: Volleyball/Setter
Status: Commitment to Minnesota State University, Mankato.
Class of 2024 Commitment: Congratulations to our athlete, Jadyn Lester, on her commitment to attend & play for Minnesota State University — Mankato! #MNLproud pic.twitter.com/iIYP5VBcsK
— Northern Lights (@nlightsvball) July 31, 2023
Spencer Kober
School: Mayo
Sport: Baseball/Multiple positions
Status: Commitment to Iowa Lakes Community College
I'm extremely excited to announce I've committed to play baseball at Iowa Lakes Community College. Thank you to all my coaches, friends and family for the help and support through my baseball journey up to this point. #jucobandit pic.twitter.com/2PjTReWYHZ
— Spencer Kober (@KoberSpencer) October 16, 2023
Adam Glynn
School: Byron
Sport: Football/Running Back
Status: Verbal commitment to Minnesota State University, Mankato
Tweets by AdamGlynn31
Aiden Johnson
School: Cannon Falls
Sport: Basketball/Forward
Status: Commitment to the University of Jamestown
I'm excited to announce that I have committed to the University of Jamestown to continue my academic and athletic career! Thank you to all my coaches, family and friends to getting me to where I am today! @CFHS_Activities @MNCometsElite @JakeKirsch7 @dannyneville3 @CoachJonesy22 pic.twitter.com/xGId7nfGvJ
— Aiden Johnson (@aidenjohnsonn_) October 6, 2023
Ella Zmolek
School: Century
Sport: Volleyball/Outside Hitter
Status: Commitment to Winona State University
Century vs. Mayo Volleyball
Century's Ella Zmolek (17) serves the ball during a high school volleyball match against Mayo on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, at Century High School in Rochester.
Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin
Nick Bauer
School: Pine Island
Sport: Baseball/Pitcher
Status: Commitment to Benedictine College (Kansas)
Congratulations to Nick Bauer on his verbal commitment to play baseball at Benedictine University, where he will continue his academic and athletic career!!
https://t.co/7r7GaAcmG6@goldensumbrero @RavenBaseball @EricPeterson713 @RD2Sports pic.twitter.com/gCasNOtkEw
— Pine Island Baseball (@PIhardball) August 17, 2023
Beau Wiersma
School: Kingsland
Sport: Football/Running back
Status: Verbal commitment to Winona State University
HOME!! @Coach_Bergy @IsaacFruechte14 @Coach_Spencer11 @WinonaState_FB @kingsland_fb pic.twitter.com/waHdjXT4Bl
— Beau Wiersma (@BeauWiersma1) September 27, 2023
Jack Eustice
School: Century
Sport/Position: Baseball/Infielder
Status: Commitment to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
I'm honored to announce my commitment to further my academic and athletic career at The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire! I want to thank my family, my friends and my coaches for help in guiding me to where I am today. #RollBlugolds @UWECBaseball @The_CAAdvantage pic.twitter.com/muVcFsldP5
— jack eustice (@jack_eustice) September 26, 2023
Miles Prochnow
School: Century
Sport/Position: Football/Lineman
Status: Verbal commitment to Minnesota State University, Mankato
#rollherd pic.twitter.com/xt34ZhCrqm
— Miles Prochnow (@Miles_Proch) August 10, 2023
Tayler Helgemoe
School: Rushford-Peterson
Sport/Position: Basketball/Forward
Status: Commitment to North Iowa Area Community College
100% committed @CoachVaught @NIACCWBball @AirMinnesota @RPTrojansJLoney pic.twitter.com/ziNZpvlEDz
— Tayler Helgemoe (@TaylerHelgemoe5) September 21, 2023
Jake Wills
School: Century
Sport/Position: Football/Wide Recever
Status: Verbal commitment to Minnesota State University, Mankato
100% Committed!! #RollHerd #MavFam
@MinnStFootball @CoachHJones @hoffner_todd pic.twitter.com/PAlAq5QkZq
— Jake Wills (@JakeWills_2) September 25, 2023
Savannah Hedin
School: Stewartville
Sport/Position: Basketball/Forward
Status: Commitment to the University of Jamestown
I am super excited to announce my commitment to further my academic and athletic career at University of Jamestown! Thank you to my parents,coaches,teammates and friends who have helped me along the way! #gojimmies @jimmie_wbb pic.twitter.com/aKvovTEPOG
— Savannah Hedin (@savannahhedin) September 24, 2023
Caleb Jannsen
School: Stewartville
Sport/Position: Football/Linebacker
Status: Verbal commitment to Winona State University
100% committed!!! Can't wait!!! @WinonaState_FB pic.twitter.com/Vf4hIspHN2
— Caleb Jannsen (@caleb_jannsen) September 25, 2023
Logan Koepke
School: Caledonia
Sport/Position: Volleyball/Outside Hitter
Status: Commitment to Concordia University, St. Paul.
Section 1A, 1AA girls volleyball semifinals
Caledonia's Logan Koepke (6) blocks a ball during a Section 1AA girls volleyball semifinal match against Zumbrota-Mazeppa on Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, at Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.
Traci Westcott / Post Bulletin file photo
Calleigh Richards
School: Kasson-Mantorville
Sport/Position: Softball/Catcher
Status: Commitment to Bemidji State University
The Next Chapter. #committed @BSUBeaversSB @JPetersen23 @jjjtref @mnwavessoftball @KometSoftball @KM_Activities @coachsamNCSA pic.twitter.com/iGutjMxHHH
— Calleigh Richards (@CalleighRichar1) August 6, 2023
Madison Burr
School: Cannon Falls
Sport/Position: Volleyball/Outside Hitter
Status: Commitment to South Dakota State University.
Cannon Falls, Pequot Lakes Class AA Championship volleyball
Cannon Falls' Madison Burr (8) cheers after winning a point during the Class AA volleyball championship match against Pequot Lakes on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.
Traci Westcott / Post Bulletin file photo
Keegan Ryan
School: Lake City
Sport/Position: Football/Wide Receiver
Status: Verbal commitment to the University of North Dakota.
Lourdes vs. Lake City Football
Lake City's Keegan Ryan (11) carries the ball during a football game against Lourdes on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022, at Rochester Regional Stadium.
Joe Ahlquist / Post Bulletin file photo
Easton Suess
School: Kasson-Mantorville
Sport/Position: Football/Defensive End
Status: Verbal commitment to Winona State University.
F2i-kVwXMAA353O.jpg
Easton Suess.
Contributed
Reid Hartmann
School: Red Wing
Sport/Position: Baseball/Catcher
Status: Commitment to Augustana University (S.D.)
Zach Vanderpool
School: Byron
Sport/Position: Football/Defensive End
Status: Verbal commitment to North Dakota State University
Committed! @Coach_Entz @NickGoeser @NDSUfootball @ByronMNFootball @CoachHalder @RyanBurnsMN @PrepRedzoneMN @247Sports #alleycats pic.twitter.com/2UZulqVgPF
— Zach Vanderpool (@ZachVanderpool1) July 1, 2023
Elisabeth Gadient
School: Goodhue
Sport/Position: Basketball/Guard
Status: Commitment to Minnesota State University, Mankato
Caledonia, Goodhue Section 1AA girls basketball championship
Goodhue's Elisabeth Gadient takes a shot during a Section 1AA girls basketball championship game against Caledonia on Friday, March 10, 2023, at Mayo Civic Center in Rochester.
Traci Westcott / Post Bulletin file photo
Lexi Nelson
School: Byron
Sport/Position: Volleyball/Middle hitter
Status: Commitment to Augustana University (S.D.)
I am so excited to announce my commitment to continue my volleyball career at Augustana University! I can't thank my friends, family, and coaches enough for the continuous support, and I am extremely grateful for @mzjenjacobs & @AggenMichelle for allowing me this opportunity! pic.twitter.com/rDS99qDFW0
— Lexi Nelson (@Lexi_Nelson11) February 25, 2023
Carson Beavers
School: Mayo
Sport/Position: Baseball/Outfield
Status: Commitment to Witchita State University
John 13:7
Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."
God has given me the blessing to wake up everyday and play the game I love. Months ago my decision for the future was changed. God had a plan and guided me through this process.... pic.twitter.com/m3kvOqaA8S
— Carson Beavers (@CarsonBeavers1) September 8, 2023
