A Drumheller ballplayer is taking her career to the next step after receiving an offer to play at an American Junior College.
The Mail caught up with Brooklyn Hartman, 17, in May of last year. At that time she was selected to play at ‘The Cup” an international indoor softball tournament in the Netherlands. While the tournament has been postponed until next January because of COVID-19, Hartman has since landed a scholarship to play at Dakota College at Bottineau in North Dakota.
“When I signed, it didn’t feel like it was actually happening but the closer it gets to leaving…I am slowly getting excited, but it still feels unreal,” She said.
The Dakota College at Bottineau (DCB) plays in the NJCAA in the Mon-Dak Conference, where the Ladyjacks are ranked high. Hartman is going in as a starting pitcher.
Playing at the Junior College level is a first step where she is eligible for two years. After that, there is a good chance she could be drafted into the NCAA.
To get noticed, she began working with her coaches on the Adrenaline in Calgary where she plays now. They sent out her resume and video of her playing. She was contacted by coaches in Canada and the US. Because of COVID-19, the usual avenues of recruitment where coaches and scouts could see travel teams or tournaments weren’t available. Despite this, seven schools showed interest. She selected the Ladyjacks.
“The coach is very outgoing and he is Canadian, so he knows what it is like, and from talking to the coach and looking at the school they are focused on the sports, but also getting you the help you need,” she said. “Just from talking to the coach, he seemed very helpful and competitive. I’m very competitive, so that is good.”
She won’t be alone, as there is another player from Red Deer going to the Ladyjacks for the coming season.
Hartman gradates from DVSS this year and is already working as a Health Care Aide. She will be able to pursue nursing at DCB as well.
As for the Cup, Hartman will be the only Canadian heading to the tournament this January, and her new coach in North Dakota has assured her she will still be able to make the trip.