The recruiting process only lasted about a month for Ankeny Centennial softball standout Peyten Spiegel.
The junior pitcher announced on Friday that she has verbally committed to play for Missouri State.
“Starting on Sept 1 I wasn’t sure what to expect, but when I received calls and texts from all over I knew this wasn’t going to be an easy process,” said Spiegel. “I had an idea of what I wanted, and Missouri State checked all the boxes. Iowa State, Minnesota and Iowa were at the top of my list as well after the calls from the coaches and visits. After receiving the offer from MSU, it was a big sign for me that it was going to be an amazing opportunity.”
Spiegel enjoyed a breakout season as a sophomore, when she helped the Jaguars to a 41-4 record and a runner-up finish in the state tournament. She was named to the Class 5A all-tournament team.
Spiegel compiled an 18-1 mark with a 1.38 ERA and 130 strikeouts. She ranked third in Class 5A and 13th in the entire state in ERA, and she ranked sixth in Class 5A in wins.
Spiegel was selected to the Class 5A all-state first team by the Iowa Girls’ Coaches Association. She was also named to the CIML Conference first team and to the Class 5A West all-district squad.
Spiegel listed several things that she liked about Missouri State: a smaller campus, great coaches, a smaller roster, great softball team culture and a great school. An opportunity to play in warmer weather and a chance to contribute early were some additional factors.
Two other Centennial products, senior Audrey Sandholm and junior Meryl Sandholm, previously committed to the Bears.
“I love the Sandholm girls,” Spiegel said. “They were not a factor in the final decision, but it definitely will be great to have them there with me!”