Former Ankeny softball star Cassie Johnson has found a new home–and it’s a lot closer to her hometown.
After sitting out her freshman season at Texas Tech as a redshirt, Johnson elected to enter the transfer portal. She has now committed to play for Minnesota.
“I looked at quite a few schools, but Minnesota definitely stood out to me!” said Johnson, a power-hitting catcher. “I love their coaching staff and the university! It’s such an amazing opportunity, and I know I’ll get great support there.”
Johnson played three seasons of high school ball at Ankeny, where she racked up 25 home runs and 96 RBIs in her career. She enjoyed her best season as a junior in 2023, when she was named to the Class 5A all-state first team after batting .505 with 14 homers and 47 RBIs.
Johnson emerged as one of the state’s best young players as an eighth grader in 2020, when she batted .455 with eight homers and 39 RBIs. She tied for fifth in the state in RBIs despite missing nine of her team’s 30 games.
Johnson, who played for the Iowa Premier Fastpitch travel club in 2021 and 2022, committed to the Red Raiders in November of 2022. She was recruited to Texas Tech by coach Craig Snider, but he departed before Johnson ever arrived in Lubbock.
Gerry Glasco took over the program last year and led Texas Tech to an historic season. The Red Raiders advanced to the national championship of the Women’s College World Series before falling to Texas in three games.
Texas Tech spent more than $1 million in NIL funds to bring in star pitcher NiJaree Canady. The Red Raiders have recently added seven players out of the transfer portal, including catcher Lagi Quiroga–a former California standout.
“Tech is a great school, but I decided I wanted to look for a different style of program,” Johnson said.