Ankeny softball standout Avery Nelson has verbally committed to play for Creighton, beginning in the fall of 2026.
Nelson, a junior outfielder, will be reunited with former teammate Abby Rusher, who is currently a freshman in the Bluejays’ program.
“I am super excited that I get the opportunity to play with Abby again!” said Nelson. “Her parents were like my second parents during high school season and very supportive of me. Abby and I are good friends so it will be super fun to be on the field with her again in a few years!”
Nelson batted .370 with 10 doubles and 15 RBIs last season, when she helped the Hawkettes to a 22-22 record and a fourth-place finish in the Class 5A state tournament. She led the team with 21 stolen bases and scored 27 runs.
Nelson also helped Ankeny reach the state tournament as a freshman in 2023, when she batted .250 with three doubles and five RBIs. She has twice received all-conference honorable mention.
Nelson said she reached her decision over the last several weeks.
“Before Sept. 1 I had an open mind and was not closing doors to any programs, but I knew what I was looking for in a school,” she said. “I had visited another school a few weeks prior to visiting Creighton, and I just knew by the atmosphere of Creighton that that’s where I would want to be for my college career. The coaches were very welcoming, and I can tell that the culture is very strong and important to all the girls.”