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 … [Read more...] about ‘It was a blessing in disguise’: Ankeny’s Nelson to play softball at Iowa Western
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Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 314
In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Legacy Realty of Iowa and Revive Dermatology Clinic and Spa, publisher Dan Holm breaks down the start of the first-ever fall girls' tennis season and previews Thursday's Jag-Hawk showdown with coaches Alli Gustafson of Ankeny Centennial and Katie Owens of Ankeny. … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 314
‘This team has a lot of potential’: Ankeny golfers lack experience but not talent
Longtime Ankeny boys' golf coach Mike Weddingfeld faces a major rebuilding task in 2025. Weddingfeld will have to replace several seniors from last year's team, including a trio of standouts in Duncan Beelner, Evan Hodapp and his son, Caden. Those three were stalwarts on the varsity squad over the last few seasons. Beelner tied for 12th in last year's … [Read more...] about ‘This team has a lot of potential’: Ankeny golfers lack experience but not talent
Ankeny girls’ 11-0 loss at Valley ‘gave us a lot of little wins’ in fall season opener
The schedule didn't allow the Ankeny girls' tennis team to ease into its first fall season. The Hawkettes traveled to Valley on Tuesday to face one of the state's top teams. The Tigers had already defeated their first three opponents by a combined 26-3 margin. The task proved to be as difficult as expected. Valley posted an 11-0 victory in the CIML … [Read more...] about Ankeny girls’ 11-0 loss at Valley ‘gave us a lot of little wins’ in fall season opener
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Kinnick Vos, Ankeny baseball
Senior shortstop Kinnick Vos helped the Ankeny baseball team to a 14-25 record this season. He was named to the CIML Conference first team at a utility position after batting .350 with four triples, five doubles and 16 RBIs. Vos played for the Large Schools West team in the Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Series on July 31-Aug. 2. … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Kinnick Vos, Ankeny baseball
‘We want to compete hard every match’: Hawkettes begin new era under Owens
The Ankeny girls' tennis team hasn't skipped a beat under new head coach Katie Owens. Owens previously coached the program from 2014-20 before taking some time off to raise her family. "I’m really enjoying being back in the coaching role," said Owens. "It’s been refreshing to work with this group--they’ve shown a lot of enthusiasm and hard work, and … [Read more...] about ‘We want to compete hard every match’: Hawkettes begin new era under Owens
Doubleday Insurance Coach of the Month: Katie Owens, Ankeny girls’ tennis
The Hawkettes' former coach has returned to the program to oversee the move of girls' tennis from a spring sport to the fall. … [Read more...] about Doubleday Insurance Coach of the Month: Katie Owens, Ankeny girls’ tennis
Vos to play for Large Schools West in IHSBCA All-Star Series on his home field
Ankeny baseball standout Kinnick Vos will get two more chances to play on his home field. The senior shortstop has been selected to play in the 2025 Iowa High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Series. The games will be played at Ankeny High School on Thursday and Friday before moving to Urbandale for the final day of games on Saturday. Vos … [Read more...] about Vos to play for Large Schools West in IHSBCA All-Star Series on his home field
Centennial quartet, ACA duo, Ankeny’s Lensmeyer earn all-state softball honors
Four Ankeny Centennial softball players have earned all-state honors from the Iowa Girls' Coaches Association along with two from Ankeny Christian Academy and one from Ankeny. Junior infielder Jordyn Kennedy and junior outfielder Mady Ott of Centennial were both named to the Class 5A first team. Senior pitcher Aubrey Scieszinski of Centennial was selected … [Read more...] about Centennial quartet, ACA duo, Ankeny’s Lensmeyer earn all-state softball honors
Centennial’s Bollwinkel, Morris joined by Ankeny’s Vos on all-conference first team
The Ankeny Centennial baseball duo of Kohen Bollwinkel and Will Morris has been named to the CIML Conference first team along with Ankeny standout Kinnick Vos. The all-conference teams were selected by a vote of the league's coaches. Morris, a junior infielder, was a unanimous pick. He helped the Jaguars to a 24-14 record. Morris led the team with a … [Read more...] about Centennial’s Bollwinkel, Morris joined by Ankeny’s Vos on all-conference first team
Kennedy, Ott, Scieszinski, Lincicum land spots on CIML Conference first team
The Ankeny Centennial softball team placed four players on the CIML Conference first team and four more on the third team. Two others earned honorable mention, while Ankeny matched the Jaguars with 10 players recognized overall. Junior infielder Jordyn Kennedy, junior outfielder Mady Ott and senior pitcher Aubrey Scieszinski of Centennial were all named … [Read more...] about Kennedy, Ott, Scieszinski, Lincicum land spots on CIML Conference first team
‘I see it being a really good fit’: Ankeny star Aguirre commits to play for Sioux Falls
Ankeny basketball star Rio Aguirre has verbally committed to play for the University of Sioux Falls. Aguirre, a guard, will join the Cougars' program in the fall of 2026. "I had been on a few other visits, but I don’t think this was a tough decision for me at all," said Aguirre. "(Assistant) coach (Drew) Guebert and (head) coach (Chris) Johnson really … [Read more...] about ‘I see it being a really good fit’: Ankeny star Aguirre commits to play for Sioux Falls
‘I’m always proud of this team’: Hawkettes drop nailbiter at S.E. Polk in regional final
After playing her final game in an Ankeny softball uniform, senior Aubrey Lensmeyer hugged her coaches before walking off the field at Southeast Polk. Her high school career had come to an end just a few minutes earlier with a 3-2 loss in a Class 5A regional final on Tuesday. "I'm always proud of this team," said Lensmeyer. "It's been an up-and-down … [Read more...] about ‘I’m always proud of this team’: Hawkettes drop nailbiter at S.E. Polk in regional final
Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Kaylyn Miller, Ankeny softball
Senior third baseman Kaylyn Miller helped the Ankeny softball team to a 5-1 victory at ninth-ranked Ames in a Class 5A regional semifinal on Saturday. The Hawkettes (13-26) will play at No. 3 Southeast Polk (30-10) in the regional final on Tuesday. Miller is batting .232 on the season with seven doubles and 17 RBIs. In the pitcher's circle, she has … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Kaylyn Miller, Ankeny softball
‘I’m not surprised at all’: Confident Ankeny girls stun No. 9 Ames in regional semifinal
Aubrey Lensmeyer and her Ankeny softball teammates were confident going into Saturday's game at Ames--even though the contest looked like a mismatch on paper. "We were the underdogs going into it, but I'm not surprised (by the result)," said Lensmeyer. 'If this team plays our game, we can win and beat anyone." Lensmeyer tossed a six-hitter and also had … [Read more...] about ‘I’m not surprised at all’: Confident Ankeny girls stun No. 9 Ames in regional semifinal
‘We fought the whole game’: Hawks end season with 8-4 loss at No. 7 Indianola
The Ankeny baseball team was hoping to pull off some surprises in postseason play. A young and talented Indianola squad didn't let it happen. The seventh-ranked Indians ended Ankeny's season with an 8-4 victory in a Class 4A substate quarterfinal on Saturday at Indianola. The Hawks finished with a 14-25 record. "Like all year, they never gave up," … [Read more...] about ‘We fought the whole game’: Hawks end season with 8-4 loss at No. 7 Indianola
Former Ankeny infielder Lewis transfers from Morehead State to James Madison
Former Ankeny softball standout Kendra Lewis has committed to play for James Madison University. Lewis, a third baseman and shortstop, is coming off a breakout season at Morehead State, where she earned all-OVC second-team honors as a sophomore. She will have two years of eligibility remaining. Lewis entered the transfer portal after starting all 49 … [Read more...] about Former Ankeny infielder Lewis transfers from Morehead State to James Madison
Hawks fall twice at No. 3 Johnston, gear up for substate opener at No. 7 Indianola
After entering the week with a seven-game winning streak, the Ankeny baseball team is now on a five-game losing skid. And with the postseason set to begin in less than 48 hours, the Hawks can't afford another loss. Ankeny closed out the regular season on Wednesday with a make-up doubleheader at third-ranked Johnston, which rallied for an 8-7 victory in … [Read more...] about Hawks fall twice at No. 3 Johnston, gear up for substate opener at No. 7 Indianola
Hawks drop 7-1 decision at North Polk, will head to Johnston next for 2 games
The North Polk baseball team used a six-run outburst in the fourth inning to break a 1-1 tie and went on to defeat visiting Ankeny, 7-1, in a non-conference game on Tuesday. The Hawks dropped to 14-22 overall with their third straight loss. North Polk raised its record to 19-11. Kinnick Vos doubled and walked twice for Ankeny, which had just four hits … [Read more...] about Hawks drop 7-1 decision at North Polk, will head to Johnston next for 2 games
Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 311
In the latest edition of the Ankeny Fanatic weekly podcast sponsored by Legacy Realty of Iowa and Revive Dermatology Clinic and Spa, publisher Dan Holm breaks down the softball season thus far and previews the upcoming postseason with coach Sarah Saladino and senior pitcher Aubrey Lensmeyer of Ankeny. … [Read more...] about Ankeny Fanatic Podcast: Episode 311