Drew Aggus
Special to the Citizen
North Platte’s McKenzie Brockhoff waited until her senior volleyball season was over to make her decision on where she wanted to spend her college career.
Ultimately, she settled on becoming a Bobcat at Peru State University, which is located in Peru, Neb. Brockhoff’s decision was based on staying relatively close to home and having her school feel like home. “I went up on a visit, and when I was walking around, there were people who were stopping and talking to me, and I was like, ‘this is where I want to be,’” Brockhoff said. “It felt like home.”
Peru State was not the only Heart of America Athletic Conference school to receive Brockhoff’s consideration. She was also recruited by Missouri Valley College, located in Marshall, along with Graceland University, which is in Lamoni, Iowa. In addition, nearby University of St. Mary, who competes in the Great Plains Athletic Conference, also received some of Brockhoff’s consideration.
The winner of numerous all-conference and all-district awards recently led her team to the Class 1 District 15 semifinal, where they lost to eventual district champion Bishop LeBlond.
Contributed photo
North Platte senior McKenzie Brockhoff, center front row, is flanked by her parents Jim and Debbie Brockhoff, of Camden Point, during her signing ceremony to play volleyball at Peru State.
From a Trojan to a Jayhawk part one
Park Hill senior Tavian Josenberger has officially signed to play baseball for the University of Kansas. Josenberger knew that KU was the school for him when he went to a basketball game at Allen Fieldhouse.
“I have been a KU basketball fan all of my life, so I have been to many games, but a game at Allen Fieldhouse is always one of a kind,” Josenberger said.
Josenberger has been a shortstop for the Trojans’ baseball team, as well as the Royals Scout Team, for whom he has played for the past three years. He plans on continuing his success at shortstop at KU. He was also considering playing baseball for Auburn University, the University of Houston and Coastal Carolina University.
However, the decision to join the Jayhawks became easier after touring the school and meeting with Ritch Price, the team’s head coach. “I chose KU because I have a chance to play early,” Josenberger said. “Coach Price is a great coach, [who] invests a lot into his players and their development, and it is close to home, and my family could come watch.”
From a Trojan to a Jayhawk part two
Ayden Mertz made it official as he signed to play baseball at the University of Kansas. The Park Hill senior has always dreamt of playing for the Jayhawks, and after good talks with coach Price and assistant coach Ryan Graves, Mertz knew that it was the right fit. While staying close to home and playing at one of his dream schools were some of Mertz’ biggest reasons for choosing to continue his baseball career with the Jayhawks, he also considered some other factors that put the school well-above his other college choices. “I love the coaching staff and facilities,” said Mertz, who also looked at Creighton and Southern Illinois. “It is also a great school to work toward my future goals.” In recent years, the right-handed pitcher has played his summer baseball with Prodigy Baseball Academy. Mertz’ story is one that is filled with success, but he isn’t the only Division I commit in his family.
A family of athletes
Avery Mertz has committed to spending her college soccer career at Drake in Des Moines. The Park Hill junior attended a camp at Drake when she was younger and has had a desire to return ever since.
“I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the campus, in general,” Mertz said. “After my second camp at Drake, I knew it was where I wanted to be. I committed because of the academics and coaching staff.”
Mertz has played attacking midfielder in her time with Kansas City Athletics Academy Elite 2003 — a team that plays in the Elite Clubs National League — but at Park Hill, she has played mostly left wing. However, at Drake, she’s open to doing whatever the team needs her to do.
“I would love to play midfield, but wherever I play I want to make an impact [on] the team,” Mertz said.
After taking time to talk with UMKC, Saint Louis University, the University of Missouri and the University of Nebraska-Omaha, among others, Mertz knew without a doubt that Drake was the place she wanted to call home after high school.