April (Wolf) Wells '07-'09

April (Wolf) Wells attended Iowa Lakes Community College from 2007-2009, she is going into the Hall of Fame for Golf.

April attended Iowa Lakes because she felt she was not ready to attend a larger university out of high school.  The opportunity to transition more slowly and continue to develop as an athlete was the right choice for her. 

Coach Dan Soper had a huge impact on April’s life.  His belief in his athletes to become the best versions of themselves was so important.  After attending a couple of practices, Coach Soper offered April a spot on the team. It was a huge boost in her confidence when she needed it most. 

Looking back at April's time at Iowa Lakes Coach Soper shared these thoughts, "April came to Iowa Lakes during the second semester of her Freshman year and made an immediate impact.  Her arrival took us from a pretty good team to a team that could legitimately compete for a Region Title.  Expectations became reality her Sophomore year when she was a vital part of the Iowa Lakes Women capturing the 2009 Region XI Title.  There are a couple things that still stick out when I think of April, she had one the best fundamental golf swings I have ever seen and one of the most dedicate student athletes I had the privilege to coach.  More importantly I remember her outstanding integrity, in golf and in life that means a lot.  Finally, besides her success on the golf course she excelled in the classroom and was the epitome of what a student athlete can be.” 

April was very active during her time at Iowa Lakes and earned a variety of honors.  She was the 2009 AIB Invite Champion, 2009 All-Region Player, 2009 Individual and Team National Qualifier, Presidential Scholar, NJCAA Academic All-American, Student Senate Representative.  Additionally, the 2009 team had the third-highest GPA nationally. 

April enjoyed the everyday things while at Iowa Lakes.  She fondly remembers hitting balls indoors, practicing short game, and playing practice rounds with her teammates.  A big moment for the team came during the Regional meet. They anxiously awaited for Katie Heddinger on her final hole to see if they had won the Regional meet and earn a trip to the National Tournament.  Moving onto the National Tournament as a team was a special accomplishment for April and her teammates. 

There were many people who made a difference for April during her time at Iowa Lakes.  Some that stand out include: Academic Supervisor Trudy Katner, Coach Soper, Athletic Assistant Sarah Stokes, Marketing Professor Denise Reimer, Social Sciences Professor Sharon Hackenmiller, and teammates Lauren, Katie, Abby, and Ricca. 

After earning an Associate in Science Transfer Degree, April continued her education at Iowa State University, where she completed a Bachelor’s Degree of Art and Design.  She then earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Northern Iowa in Public Policy and Public Administration. 

April now works at the University of Iowa as a Communications and Marketing Specialist.  After leaving competitive golf, April began competing in distance running. She coaches a team of 3-6 girls through a program called Girls on the Run.  She also enjoys spending time with her husband, family, and friends. 

April would like to thank her parents for encouraging her to try golf when she was young, dragging her out of bed in the summers to junior golf league, and finding her a swing coach to help her harness her talent.  Her brother, sister, and parents deserve awards for weathering the wind, rain, and snow to watch and celebrate her golfing activities. She would also like to thank her long-time friend Amanda (Shaw) Heying being her teammate from the junior golf days through high school championships.