Aberdeen, S.D. – Northern State University head softball coach,
Ashley Schilling announced today the signing of five student-athletes to National Letters of Intent. Tevan Bryant (Sioux Falls, S.D.), Eden Ford (Omaha, Neb.), Kyra Knudtson (Sioux Falls, S.D.), Abby Meads (Champlin, Minn.), and Emma Owens (Bismarck, N.D.) will join the Wolves in the fall of 2022 as members of Schilling's first signing class.
Tevan Bryant | Sioux Falls, S.D. | Harrisburg HS | Pitcher
Tevan Bryant is a 5-foot-6, right-handed pitcher out of Harrisburg High School. She is a 5-year starter for the Tigers under the direction of head coach Toby Bryant. In 2021, Bryant started 11 games, recording 35 strikeouts. Offensively, she hit .510 with 53 hits, including seven homeruns, and 43 RBI. She is a 3-time all-conference selection, 3-time all-state honoree, and 3-time South Dakota State all-tournament team member. Harrisburg won the 2020 South Dakota State Championship and the ESD Conference in 2018, 2020, and 2021. She is the daughter of Toby and Amber Bryant.
Schilling on Bryant:
"You won't find another work-horse like Tevan. She's going to bring strength to our pitching staff and power from the lefty batter's box! She knows what it takes to continuously compete and to win a state championship. She is also no stranger to Aberdeen and we are excited to have the Bryant family back at NSU!"
Eden Ford | Omaha, Neb. | Papillion Lavista HS | Infield
Eden Ford is a 5-foot-6, infielder out of Papillion Lavista High School. She was a starter and senior team captain for the Monarchs under the direction of head coach Todd Peterson. Ford posted a .275 batting average in 2021 with a .345 on base percentage. She is a 2-time all-academic team member and 2021 all-state honorable mention selection. Papillion Lavista won the Nebraska State Championship in 2019 and 2020. She is the daughter of Candy Karmann.
Schilling on Ford:
"I am excited to add a Papillion-LaVista Monarch to our team. Eden's competitive drive, hard-work, and grittiness are all aspects that make me excited to see her in a Wolves Softball uniform next year!"
Kyra Knudtson | Sioux Falls, S.D. | Lincoln HS | Utility
Kyra Knudtson is a 5-foot-4, utility player out of Lincoln High School. She is a 3-year starter and senior team captain for the Patriots under the direction of head coach Tim Hoover. Knudtson hit over .500 in both her junior and senior campaigns, combining for 59 total RBI. She is a 3-time all-state selection and 2-time state tournament all-tournament team member. The Patriots won the South Dakota State Championship in 2019 and 2021 and finished as the runner-up in 2018 and 2020. In addition, she is a member of the Minnesota Renegades program, posting a .307 average with 36 RBI. She is the daughter of Kim and Chad Knudtson.
Schilling on Knudtson:
"Our team will elevate with the addition of Kyra as a first-baseman/utility player. Her competitive personality is evident and was on display this fall as her high school earned a state championship! I can't wait to see what her four years as a Wolf will bring."
Abby Meads | Champlin, Minn. | Champlin Park HS | Pitcher
Abby Meads is a 5-foot-8, pitcher out of Champlin Park High School. She is a 2-year starter for the Rebels under the direction of head coach Bryan Woodley. Meads led her 2021 Champlin Park squad with four homeruns and sat top-3 on the team in hits and runs scored. Meads was named to the NWSC All-Conference honorable mention team in 2020. In addition, she is a member of the Minnesota E11te softball club. She is the daughter of Matt and Sherryl Roscoe.
Schilling on Meads:
"Our coaching staff is excited for the leadership that Abby will bring to the circle and as her high school's homerun leader. Her Canadian roots have given her the opportunity to compete on various platforms throughout her high school career. You will find the Canadian flag on her glove next year! It's going to be great having the Meads family joining NSU next fall."
Emma Owens | Bismarck, N.D. | Legacy HS | Catcher
Emma Owens is a 5-foot-3, catcher out of Legacy High School. She is a 2-year starter and senior team captain for the Sabers under the direction of head coach Holly Schild. Owens tallied school records of 38 RBI and 11 homeruns in the spring of 2021. In addition, she is a member of the Northern Force softball club. The Force won the 2019 and 2020 North Dakota State Championship, as well as the 2019 NAFA National Championship. She is the daughter of Laura and Scott Owens.
Schilling on Owens:
"Emma is one of the toughest players I have met. Her quickness and power as a hitter will be a fun addition to our offense. She has embraced the benefits of being a multi-sport athlete and it shows in her athletic abilities!"
