Hawkeye Reporter

Five high school athletes have signed scholarship agreements to join the University of Iowa softball team for the 2026 season, according to an announcement by head coach Stacy May-Johnson. The new recruits include two players from Iowa and three from other states.

The incoming class features Ireland Heer (right-handed pitcher/outfielder) from Broomfield, Colorado; Kayla Kersting (third base/catcher/utility) from Yorkville, Illinois; Paige Opheim (infielder) from Humboldt, Iowa; Carly Potts (right-handed pitcher/utility) from Haubstadt, Indiana; and Julia Roth (infielder/pitcher) from Dubuque, Iowa.

Heer was named CHSAA 5A Player of the Year and is a two-time CHSAA First-Team All-State selection. She also earned honors as conference pitcher of the year twice and has been recognized for her academic achievements. May-Johnson commented on Heer: “Ireland is a hard throwing pitcher who will make an immediate impact. She has proven that she can handle a lot of innings while putting her nose down and competing.  She changes speeds well and has the ability to get high level hitters out.  In addition, she brings power to the plate and will help elevate our program.”

Kersting joins the Hawkeyes as a three-time Illinois 4A all-state honoree with additional awards including Kendal County first-team all-area selection and Offensive Most Valuable Player recognition. May-Johnson said about Kersting: “Kayla is a grinder on the softball field. She comes to us as an everyday high-level contributor at third base for one of the top clubs in the country and her talent is without question. What I enjoy most about Kayla is her love for the game. She plays with an unpretentious and unassuming passion for softball. She has all the tools, physical and mental, to become an elite athlete.”

Opheim played with both Iowa Premier National Team 16U & 18U squads and achieved strong batting averages throughout her early career, earning all-state honors as a freshman. According to May-Johnson: “Paige is a strong hitter who also brings excellent athleticism in a power bat. When she connects with the ball, it goes a long way. Her physical tools coupled with a high-level work ethic make her the ideal Hawkeye. She is a proud Iowan and will no doubt help elevate our program [to] the highest level.”

Potts received Indiana all-state recognition after posting impressive offensive statistics along with notable pitching performances during her high school career at Southern High School in Indiana. May-Johnson noted: “Carly is a pitcher with a great ability to throw weak contact. She will play a vital role in the success of our bullpen and will see innings immediately. She also comes to us as a talented two-way player who competes in the field when she isn’t pitching. I think she is only scratching the tip of the iceberg right now, and I believe she will develop into a great player.”

Roth stands out as Sports Illustrated Elite Team All-State honoree who holds multiple school records at Dubuque Wahlert High School, including single-season home runs (25), career home runs (57), RBIs (64), and wins (21). She helped lead her team to several top finishes at state tournaments over four years while participating in other sports such as volleyball and swimming. May-Johnson said: “Julia is an incredible athlete who does so many different things well on the field. She hits for power, runs, pitches and plays shortstop. She is a multi-sport Iowan who reminds me of so many in-state athletes before her -- those who came to Iowa as athletes and left as elite softball players. I have no doubt that Julia is going leave her mark on this program.”