Lone Tree softball standout Abby Buckman inked her letter of intent to Upper Iowa University this week, committing to play for the Peacock softball team.
Buckman said her interest in the school located in Fayette, Iowa, started to grow this fall after she visited a prospect camp and took an official visit.
“The campus is actually very small and beautiful,” Buckman said. “The softball team culture stood out to me, too.”
Upper Iowa University is a Division II college of around 4,000 students that competes in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, a group of schools in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and the Dakotas. Buckman said the strong conference was another checkmark in committing to Upper Iowa.
“They are going to compete with every team in the conference and they have strong community support as well,” she said.
The Upper Iowa University softball team is headed in a new direction, with a new coach hired last summer in Ashley Hickman. Buckman said the coach has already created a great team culture.
“She brought a welcoming and encouraging thing with a lot of the girls and a lot of the players,” Buckman said. “I talked with the players and students and they are excited about the program. They just knew that we can really have a chance at doing well and improving the program. I wanted someone that wasn’t just going to be a coach, but will also be a mentor.”
The pitcher has accumulated 500 strikeouts in her high school career so far and projects as a pitcher at the college level as well.
“I’m looking forward to that and helping them out in every way that I can. I can be versatile and play outfield, too,” Buckman said.
The school also has an academic program she is interested in. Buckman said she hopes to go to school under the exercise science program and eventually get a graduate degree in athletic training.
Upper Iowa University also has an interesting academic schedule, something that stood out to Buckman. The University operates in eight-week sessions where students take only two classes at one time and there is an optional May term.
With her decision made and letter of intent signed, Buckman said now she is looking forward to enjoying the rest of her senior year at Lone Tree including her final softball season.
“I couldn’t be happier with (the decision), I’ve been waiting and deciding for a long time, but I could not be happier and know everything will work out and it will be a perfect fit for me,” she said.
Buckman said the reaction since she announced her commitment has been nothing but positive.
“I just want to say that I’m super grateful for the support that I’ve had. I can’t thank my coaches and friends enough,” Buckman said.