Ankeny outfielder Avery Nelson was planning to play college softball in the city of Omaha, Neb.
Now, the senior-to-be will be starting her college career in nearby Council Bluffs.
After previously committing to play for Creighton, Nelson has now committed to play for Iowa Western Community College. She said her decision to decommit from the Bluejays was completely out of her hands.
“All of the new NCAA rules and everything have really made the recruiting process difficult for high school athletes,” said Nelson. “The roster caps were what made me have to decommit, along with a couple other 2026 (recruits). Creighton would’ve been violating NCAA rules by having too many people on their roster.”
Nelson helped the Hawkettes to a 13-27 record this season. She earned all-conference honorable mention after scoring a team-high 19 runs and batting .279 with four doubles, a triple and 10 RBIs.
When Nelson committed to Creighton last October, she was hoping to be reunited with former Ankeny teammate Abby Rusher in 2026. But Rusher, a pitcher, left the Bluejays after her freshman season and transferred to Bradley.
“I actually found out that Abby was transferring after I had to decommit!” Nelson said. “It was a tough situation to be in, especially happening mid-season, but it was a blessing in disguise.”