Iowa Lakes Softball player, Kaitlin Walsh, decided to continue her academic career at University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has decided to study biochemistry upon transferring to UW-Madison. Kaitlin is the daughter of Pat and Lori Walsh from Medford, Wisconsin.   

Kaitlin had this to say about her decision, "A part of me has always wanted to live in my home state's capital, when I was given the opportunity to attend the University of Wisconsin Madison, I was excited. Although I am sad that my softball career will be ending, I am looking forward to the endless opportunities that Madison has to offer." 

"I am very excited Kaitlin decided to continue her education at University of Wisconsin-Madison. UW-Madison is a great school for Kaitlin to continue to develop in her career and as a person," said Larson. "It has been my pleasure to coach and get to know Kaitlin these past two years. She is the kind of person that demands excellence not only from herself but from those around her. She works hard in everything she does, whether that be softball, school, or student senate. Kaitlin is, and will continue to be, a tremendous role-model for her peers.  I cannot wait to see what Kaitlin accomplishes at UW-Madison and within her career!" 

Kaitlin played for the Medford Area Senior High Raiders. She was a 4-year letter-winner and starter playing both the infield and outfield. In her senior year, Kaitlin batted .367 with a .616 slugging percentage and an on-base percentage of .458. She recorded 22 hits, 25 runs scored, and 26 runs batted in. For her efforts over the years, Kaitlin was named to the Honorable Mention All-Conference team her sophomore year, 1st Team All-Conference and All-District Team junior and senior year, and Division II All-State Team and Academic All-State Team senior year. 

In her time as a Laker, Kaitlin played in 40 games for the Lakers this past year. She had a batting average of .277 and on on-base percentage of .347. She had 31 hits, including 6 doubles and 6 homeruns. She drove in 30 of her teammates, while crossing the plate 26 times herself. Kaitlin was awarded Academic All-Region 1st Team this past year. As a softball player, Kaitlin has also given a lot of her time to this community. Every week she spends time in the local elementary school, every other month helps at a mobile food drive in Estherville, helps out with events around campus, and has given to toys for tots. She is not just an athlete, but also a student and servant leader.  

 Kaitlin has also been very involved within the Iowa Lakes community. She was a member of Student Senate last year and was voted to be president by her peers this year. Through this role, Kaitlin has been in charge of bringing student activities to campus. She has had to work in a leadership role with her peers to ensure that the students of Iowa Lakes have things to do on campus. In addition, Kaitlin has donated her time to community service projects, such as, laying mulch for the city, canned food drives for Upper Des Moines, and Souls4Souls campaign. As president, she was also given the opportunity to visit the Iowa State Capitol where she met with local legislators to express how much community colleges matter in our world. Her position has given her many leadership opportunities that she can bring with her to UW-Madison and also in her career.  In addition, Kaitlin was a presidential scholar recipient at Iowa Lakes.  

"My choice to first attend Iowa Lakes was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I was able to figure out what I want to major in, as well as make lifelong friends. I've met girls from all over the country and am grateful for that. I can't thank my coach, Katie Larson, enough. She has taught me more than just the game of softball and has helped make my time at Iowa Lakes one to remember." said Walsh.