Previously posted on Extra Innings:
Although Paige Rummans played several sports growing up and is a standout basketball player in the state of Iowa, she knew from a young age she wanted to play softball at the collegiate level. She decided to join Iowa Premier Fastpitch organization when she was 11 years old.
“I was a small, scrawny player with a big dream when I came to Iowa Premier. I evolved into a coachable, top-performing, and well-balanced player,” said Rummans. “I feel like I grew up as a young woman while playing with IPF.
“Greg Dickel, our Club Director, put my teammates and I on some of the biggest stages. Playing for this organization provided the best opportunities for growth in our level of play.”
Rummans is thankful for her time at Iowa Premier and credits the club for her becoming the player she is today.
We asked Dickel what stood out over the years about Rummans as a player. The word that first came to mind was unselfish.
“Paige is always cheering on and rooting for her teammates. She is loyal and very committed. Paige is a great teammate.”
Illinois State is getting a very experienced player and is comfortable playing at a very high level.
With Rummans being muscular, athletic, and nearly 6-feet tall she is an intimidating player.
Fortunately for the Redbirds, Rummans chose softball over basketball as teams across the region would have vied for her services. She is averaging 16.7 points and 17.9 rebounds per game this season and has already recorded multiple triple-doubles.
Rummans has become the standard of consistency in play. She maintains a baseline in her performance, even on her off days she meets a minimum requirement for high level competition. Her teammates have learned to rely on her bat to come through in important moments as she had 36 two-out, two-strike hits with runners in scoring position last season.
“That is an unreal stat, truly the epitome of clutch for her team.” says Dickel.
Rummans is excited to play at the next level and chose Illinois State because of the caring and supportive coaching staff.
“All the coaches are fun and humorous but when it’s time to get serious they emphasize the importance of hard work for the players.”
She is excited to be on such a beautiful campus with so many close conveniences.
“Even though Illinois State is right outside of Bloomington, Ill., it does not feel like you are,” Rummans said of the Normal, Ill., campus. “The campus is convenient to get around and absolutely beautiful. Not to mention the State Farm Hall of Business which is breathtaking.”
Iowa Premier National 18u plays a strong schedule and is a part of the HFL league. Look for Rummans and her team to be a competitive threat at many tournaments across the country.