Josie Kresak signs to play softball at Iowa Western
Community College while seated at the table with Fillmore
Central/Exeter-Milligan Head Softball Coach Aaron Lauby. Behind are
Kresak’s parents Brad and Tracy Kresak and on the right behind is assistant FC/E-M
softball coach Lorie Sliefert.
Exeter-Milligan Senior Josie Kresak is will be heading to
Iowa in the fall to attend Iowa Western Community College and play softball
under Coach Ben Greer.
The Fillmore Central Exeter-Milligan standout plans to
pursue a degree in Biology “with the intention of eventually going into marine
biology.”
She added that she really likes the campus, “It's really
nice and everything is easy to get to. Coach Greer was very welcoming and
straight forward about what the Reiver softball program is all about.”
She has had a stellar career with the FC/E-M team.
This year Kresak was recognized as a first team All-Conference member, a second
team Class C All-State selection and an All-Area York News Times co-captain
with a .462 batting average her senior season. This year Kresak scored 42 runs,
11 doubles, five triples and seven home runs.
FC/E-M Coach Aaron Lauby has high aspirations for her
future, “I think Josie is a darn good ball player. She is dependable, has
great instincts, a solid work ethic and every year since she was a Freshman she
just kept improving in all aspects of her game. I also think the more a
coach gets to see her play on a daily basis, they will appreciate her ball
skills on defense, base running and her offensive versatility.”
Reiver Coach Greer is looking forward to Kresak’s future as
well, “Josie had an excellent high school career and plays a position we were
hoping to add some depth in. Being left handed is an added bonus and
we’re excited about the upside she has as she’ll continue to develop at Iowa
Western.”
Kresak played centerfield on varsity all four years and that
experience, “helped me step up quicker and become a better leader throughout
all four years. My teammates also always pushed me to improve my
skills. The coaching I received helped me become a smarter and better
player. I will use the skills that I have gained in high school and apply them
during my college career. I think my biggest challenge will be adjusting to a
more challenging environment.”
Greer noted that, “It’s not easy to be a Reiver with the
high expectations we have year in and year out. So when we break down
what we’re all about as a program during the recruiting process, it is either
something the kids will really enjoy, or it’s a place they definitely do not
want to be. Knowing that, Josie has signed up for being held accountable
and working hard every day in the classroom and on the field. We’re thrilled
that she’s the type of person who wants those things in her college softball
career. “
Lauby notes that Kresak’s even temperament will serve her as
she moves on to play college ball, “I love Josie's attitude. She doesn't
allow herself to get too high or too low, she stays emotionally consistent and
I love competitors like that. Softball can be an emotional game and we
have to always be in control of those emotions or they can get the better of
us. Those that are good at controlling that which is under their control
and not let the things that are out of their control fuel their emotions tend
to maintain a consistent level of success on and off the field. Josie has
that.”
Greer recognized the quality player and person he will be
coaching in Kresak, “We’re far more interested in our players becoming
successful people than just being all about softball and I believe Josie is a
perfect example of that.”