Bellefontaine softball standout Caitlyn Shumaker has found a new college softball program to call home after a chaotic summer.
The former Chieftain had originally signed to play at Wright State University in November, but the softball program was dropped because of financial strains just over a month ago.
Shumaker has landed herself a spot with another Division I program out west at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks.
“I am so stoked to be able to play softball in North Dakota and it’s just a bonus that it is Division I,” said Shumaker. “I am so grateful that I was able to find a new school where I can compete and get an excellent education.
“After finding out about Wright State, I knew God had a purpose for the path he was putting me down. Everything worked out in the end and I could not be happier.”
Shumaker had plenty of local coaches and travel coaches helping her find a new home after Wright State dissolved its softball program. Eventually, she contacted UND and very quickly liked what she heard.
“My travel coach sent me a list of schools and North Dakota was on that list,” said Shumaker. “When I started researching them, I fell in love. I love traveling and experiencing new things and I think North Dakota is the perfect place for that. As I learned more about the coaching staff and program I started to get excited. Towards the end of my decision making, I ultimately chose North Dakota because of my excitement for the state, university and softball program.”
The Fighting Hawks finished 22-34 last season and completed their first season in the Summit League with a 7-11 record.
“My goals for myself at North Dakota are to grow as a person and player,” said Shumaker. “I’m going to be pretty far away from home and I think that is going to allow me to grow a lot.
“I would like to thank everyone that reached out to me and extended their help throughout my search for a new college. I was humbled by the amount of people that contacted me about helping out.”
Shumaker, who will major in physical therapy, holds five records in softball at BHS. That includes most hits in a season (51), most triples in a season (10), most triples in a career (14), highest batting average for a season (.662) and most runs scored in a season (36). She earned all-Ohio honorable mention honors as a junior.