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‘I know what I’m getting’: Starr to follow in mother’s footsteps, will play for Central

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Ankeny Centennial’s Addi Starr rips a base hit during the Jaguars’ victory over Southeast Polk in the Class 5A semifinals last season. Starr has committed to play for Central College. (Photo by Drue Wolfe)

Ankeny Centennial third baseman Addi Starr is already pretty familiar with the Central College softball program.

Her mother, Missy, was one of the captains for the 2002 Central squad.

“I grew up hearing stories about and following the team,” said Starr, who has committed to playing for the Dutch and legendary coach George Wares. “I know what I’m getting, and they offer everything I want.”

Missy (Voigt) Starr racked up 116 hits during her Central career, which ranks 42nd on the school’s all-time list. She also played for Wares, who has guided the program since 1985.

“I was looking for a school that was right for me not only softball-wise but academically as well,” Starr said. “Central fit both of those.”

Starr batted .294 with one home run, nine doubles and 26 RBIs as a junior, when she helped the Jaguars to a 36-5 record and the Class 5A state championship. She received all-conference honorable mention.

Ankeny Centennial third baseman Addi Starr looks to put a tag on Valley runner Annie Buchholz during a game at Centennial last season. (Photo by Drue Wolfe)

As a freshman in 2021, Starr batted .372 with 12 doubles and 20 RBIs while helping Centennial to a runner-up finish in Class 5A. She was named to the all-tournament team.

In 2022, Starr batted .348 with 11 doubles and 25 RBIs. She was named to the Class 5A all-state second team and was a repeat selection to the CIML Iowa Conference second team.

“I visited many schools throughout the Midwest looking for the right fit, but nothing even compared to Central and their amazing softball program,” Starr said.