VanHauen signs to play softball for Graceland
Charles City senior Shantel VanHauen signs her letter of intent to play for Graceland University. Also pictured are father and mother Dennie and Teresa VanHauen, seated; back row from left, Shantel’s sister Desirae, assistant softball coaches Karleen Sickman and Dan Sullivan, head coach Brian Bohlen, and Graceland head coach Todd Verwers.
By John Burbridge sports@charlescitypress.com
CHARLES CITY — Coming into the Comet softball program, Shantel VanHauen had Kris Bryant-like upside.
In her only four at-bats as a freshman for Charles City, VanHauen had three hits — two of them for extra bases.
The following year as a sophomore, VanHauen was among the Comet leaders in home runs and had a .521 slugging percentage.
As a junior, VanHauen started several games as a middle infielder and designated hitter, and hit around .300. But her role was diminished from the season before.
“She’s a very good player,” Comet head coach Brian Bohlen said of VanHauen, “but she was on a very good and deep team.”
After Charles City won the consolation bracket at last year’s State Softball Tournament, Bohlen said that despite the impending loss of senior talent that he already had a strong team for next year with the players left behind. And he singled out VanHauen as one of the key returners.
“She’s going to have a more primary role for us this season,” Bohlen said. “She a solid leader and team player, and she’s going to give us a lot of power at the plate.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if she hits 10 to 15 homers for us.”
Graceland University head coach Todd Verwers expressed similar optimism.
“She’s going to be a great fit for us,” Verwers said of VanHauen, who signed on to play for the Yellowjackets on Thursday.
“I was fortunate enough to see her play and at (softball exposure camps),” Verwers said.
Based in Lamoni in southern Iowa, Graceland is an NAIA school that plays in the Heart of America Conference. As of last week, the Yellowjackets have a 13-13 record.
“I’m really excited,” said VanHauen, who will study nursing at Graceland.
VanHauen is also excited about the upcoming Charles City softball season.
“I feel like we have a real good team,” she said.
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