Creston star Cora Smith commits to Iowa State softball
CRESTON, Iowa — Creston High School junior Cora Smith has found her collegiate home, announcing her commitment to play softball at Iowa State University on social media Sunday afternoon.
“I’m staying home!” Smith wrote in her announcement. “I’m excited to announce my commitment to continue my academic and softball career at Iowa State University. It’s been a dream come true to have the opportunity to play the sport I love for this Division 1 school.”
Smith, a 5-foot-9 standout, has been a force for the Panthers both on the diamond and the track. As a sophomore, she posted team-best times in the 200-meter dash (25.70 seconds) and 400-meter dash (57.77 seconds), the latter earning her a sixth-place finish at the Class 3A state meet. She also recorded a personal best long jump of 16 feet, 3.5 inches.
On the softball field, Smith finished her sophomore season with 28 runs scored, three home runs, 13 RBIs, a .368 batting average, a .455 on-base percentage, and a .909 fielding percentage.
Coach praises Smith’s character and work ethic
Creston head softball coach Gracie Hagle said Smith’s commitment reflects more than just her athletic ability; it’s a testament to the teammate she has become.
“Cora brings so much more to the Creston Softball program than just what she does on the field,” Hagle said. “She is an incredibly hardworking, competitive, and selfless player who is always willing to do whatever she needs to do to help her team and improve as a player. Cora is the type of teammate who makes the players around her better and shows her teammates what hard work and dedication can do.”
Smith still has two seasons left in a Creston uniform, giving her time to continue developing before she heads to Ames. Hagle said she is eager to see Smith embrace the opportunity that comes with knowing she will compete at the Division I level.
“As her coach, I am most excited to see Cora continue to grow into the player I know she can become,” Hagle said. “Now that she knows she has the opportunity to play at the next level, I am excited to see her embrace that challenge while continuing to enjoy the game that she loves so much.”
Smith thanks community and coaches
In her announcement, Smith thanked the people who have supported her throughout her softball career, including her family, friends, neighbors, and the Creston community.
“First and foremost, I want to thank my parents, my family, friends, neighbors, and community for their endless love and support,” Smith wrote. “Thank you to Iowa Premier Fastpitch and the incredible coaches. Greg Dickel, Paige Shannon, Josh Chronic, Josie Chronic Rasmussen, Olivia Paz, Meg Bahl and countless others have believed in me from the start and helped me grow both as a player and as a person.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the Iowa State coaching staff for giving her the opportunity to continue her career in Ames.
“Another huge thank you to Coach Pinkerton, Coach Sinnott, Coach Ubrun, Coach Ochoa, and Sydney Albaugh Hartman for believing in me and giving me this amazing opportunity!” Smith said.
A special commitment for coach Hagle
For Hagle, who also played high school softball at Creston before competing at Grand View, Smith’s commitment carries extra significance.
“This commitment is very meaningful to me as I know firsthand what it means to grow up in Creston, wear the Panther uniform, and have the opportunity to play college softball,” Hagle said. “I remember watching the girls who came before me and dreaming about doing the same thing someday. To now be able to coach Cora and watch her earn the opportunity to represent Creston at Iowa State is incredibly special.”
Smith closed her announcement with a look toward her future in Ames.
“I can’t wait to be part of Cyclone Nation and continue my journey in Ames!” Smith said.
Smith’s commitment adds to a growing pipeline of Iowa talent heading to Iowa State, and Creston fans will have two more seasons to watch her shine in Panther blue before she trades it for Cyclone cardinal and gold.