Reynolds signs with ‘dream school’

Addy Reynolds (middle) signed her letter-of-intent to play softball at the University of Northern Iowa recently. Sitting with her are parents Ryan and Angela Reynolds. Standing is Mount Ayr head softball coach Bret Ruggles and assistant coach Carley Carrall.

Another Mount Ayr Raiderette is set to head-off to play collegiate sports this next season after Addy Reynolds signed her letter-of-intent to play softball, with the University of Northern Iowa, this last week.
“I defnintely love volleyball and track and I don’t know what it is about softball, maybe since I have been doing it since I was six, but it’s just my love,” said Reynolds. “I’ve spent all of my time and off-seasons doing it. I have the passion and desire to compete at the next level.”
Reynolds is coming off a season in which she saw 78 at-bats in 28 contests and recorded 33 runs on 35 hits that included a team high nine home runs, 28 runs batted in.
Her .449 batting average and .522 on-base percentage were some of the best in the Pride of Iowa.
Reynolds started 18 games on the mound and pitched in 21 altogether, recording a record of 10-8 through 105.2 innings.
Her opponent batting average was a .230 and her ERA and WHIP were a 2.52 and 1.29, respectively.
Reynolds allowed 74 runs on 107 hits, 38 of which were earned and struck out 88 batters.
She also spent time on third base and had a field percentage of .912 with six errors and 25 putouts.
“She’s a collection of everything that has made us successful,” said Mount Ayr’s head softball coach Bret Ruggles. “We brought her up as an eighth grader and we took off and became very successful and that is because of Addy and several others.”
“Her work ethic, her leadership, she’s the kind of girl you don’t have to worry about or push. Her daily work will always make her better and better and she will do great up there.”
Unversity of Northern Iowa has been the dream school for Reynolds since she was young.
“I decided when I was really young that is what I wanted to do,” said Reynolds. “It was the dream school. Both of my parents went there and I really loved the atmosphere at their camp. For me to get there and for it to playthrough I couldn’t be more thankful for how it worked out.”
Her dad, Ryan Reynolds, is also a softball coach for the Raiderettes and was in a unique position the last couple of years to help her progress and see her achieve her dream.
“I’m really proud of her. She has put in a lot of work and it’s always been a dream of hers,” said Reynolds. “It’s nice to see her plans come to fruition. I am very proud of her.”