One of the state’s best softball players has ended her recruiting battle.
Ankeny Centennial junior outfielder Mady Ott announced on Tuesday that she has verbally committed to Drake. She will join the Bulldogs’ program in the fall of 2026.
“I’m so excited to be going to Drake,” said Ott. “This wasn’t as tough of a decision as I thought it would be. I knew I was likely going to be staying in state and not too far from home.”
Ott emerged as a potential superstar as a freshman in 2023, when she batted .432 with seven home runs and 42 RBIs while helping the Jaguars to a 36-5 record and the Class 5A state title. She was named to the all-tournament team and to the Class 5A all-state third team.
As a sophomore, Ott batted .378 with 13 homers, seven doubles and 39 RBIs. She helped Centennial to a 29-10 mark and a share of the CIML Conference title.
Ott tied for seventh in the entire state in home runs. She was named to the all-conference first team and the all-state first team.
Now, Ott knows that she’ll be playing many of her collegiate games just a few miles from Ankeny.
“I had been to a few campuses, but was really impressed by the academic opportunities at Drake!” Ott said. “The deciding factor to me was honesty coach (Lindsay) Diehl and her assistants. I think they will be great coaches who really want to see me continue to develop and do well. I am excited about some of the other girls who have already committed too.”