Iowa Lakes Softball player, Courtney Calkins, signed to continue her athletic and academic careers at NAIA Tennessee Wesleyan University in Athens, Tennessee.  

"I am thrilled that Courtney decided to continue her softball and academic careers at Tennessee Wesleyan," said Larson. "Courtney is the type of kid that you route for to excel because she works so hard in every aspect of life. She is an excellent student, is the president of Student Senate, and shines on the dirt. Being able to be a part of her life the past two years has truly been a blessing. She has led the charge in making this program what it is today. She is the epitome of what we want future Iowa Lakes Softball Players to be. The sky is the limit for this young lady and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for her!" 

Courtney graduated from Osseo High School, where she was a four-year letter-winner for the Orioles. She was named to the NWSC All-Conference team four consecutive years and Cable 12 Area Team three years. Courtney was also named Ms. Oriole, nominated for athlete of the year, and awarded the Clutch Hitter award three times. To end her career, Calkins posted a 28-24 record with a 1.90 ERA. She had 359 strikeouts, while allowing just 312 hits. Courtney also excelled offensively, batting .324 with 66 hits, 14 doubles, and 5 homeruns. 

So far in her career as a Laker, Courtney has a batting average of .378 with 108 hits, including; 29 doubles, 2 triple, and 7 homeruns. She has batted in 76 runners, while crossing the plate 54 times herself. As a pitcher she is 25-10 with a 3.67 ERA. She has pitched in 284 innings and struck 148 batters. While at Iowa Lakes, she has been selected 1st Team Academic All-Region, All-Region Honorable Mention and was a Pinnacle Academic Achievement Recipient from the NJCAA her freshman year. Thus far in her sophomore year, she has been named ICCAC pitcher of the week.  

Courtney had this to say, "I am so glad that I chose to come to Iowa Lakes. I have made so many memories both on and off the softball field. I have met amazing people and have had many great experiences here. I will definitely miss the town, the campus, and all of the people that I have had the opportunity to meet over the last two years, but I am excited to see where the next two years take me."