Hamilton will play softball at Iowa

CEDAR RAPIDS — Ashley Hamilton knows something about turning a softball program around.

She has helped do it at Cedar Rapids Kennedy. In a couple years, she'll try to do it again at the University of Iowa.

Hamilton confirmed Wednesday morning that she has committed to join the Hawkeyes' program in 2018.

'I got offers from some Division-I and Division-II programs,' said the strong-armed junior shortstop. 'I sat down and decided that because of distance, Iowa was the best fit for me.

'The players and the coaches there are committed to turning it around and keep improving.'

Once a national power, Iowa has backtracked in recent years. The Hawkeyes were 19-40 last season.

Hamilton has been a starter at Kennedy since her eighth-grade year and has been a major component in the program's rise.

Last summer, as a sophomore, Hamilton batted .434 and drove in 28 runs. She hit 14 doubles, two triples and two home runs.

Kennedy was 28-13 last season and returns the bulk of its roster.

'I'm really excited. I think we can make it a long ways,' Hamilton said.

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