Iowa Lakes Softball player, Emma Kral, has recently committed to continue her athletic and academic careers at Saint Mary's University. She will be studying Criminal Justice at the University located in Winona, Minnesota.

Coach King had this to say about Emma, "It is going to be sad to see Emma leave after just one year in the program. Since arriving on campus, Emma has shown her commitment and pride for this program not only on the field but also off. Emma has not only been a softball player, but also a member of the band, member of Student Senate, and also a presidential scholar. She is the epitome of an Iowa Lakes Softball player and she has set the bar high for those that will follow her." 

Emma is the daughter of Cliff and Sara Kinnetz and the late Kirk Kral. Kral is from Graettinger, Iowa, where she graduated from Graettinger-Teril CSD. As an outfielder, Kral was a three-time letter winner for the Titans. In her senior season, Kral played in all 19, where she batted .364 with a .493 on-base percentage and a .545 slugging percentage. She recorded twenty hits, including eight doubles and one triple. She scored eight times while driving in twenty of her teammates. More impressively, Kral struck out just 3 times in sixty-four at bats.

Kral was also a standout at GTRA off the field. She was a three-time participate award winner in basketball, one-time participate award winner in volleyball, one-time letter winner in golf, and one-time letter winner in cross country. Outside of athletics, Kral was the National Honor Society President, Senior Class President, and Homecoming Queen. She was a member of student council and on yearbook staff. Kral was also very active in band, as she was the Alto Saxophone Section Leader, Alto Saxophone Solo (2019) Division II, and Saxophone Ensemble (2018)- Division II.

"Emma's work ethic is top-notch. She comes into every weight session, conditioning session, or practice with the desire to get better. She is not afraid to be uncomfortable to improve. Emma is also a great leader. She leads both vocally and by her actions. She will never allow herself or her teammates to settle. With all that, the thing that we will miss most about Emma is her smile. There is not one day that she is not grateful to play the sport that she loves with the teammates that she respects. That is exactly the type of attitude that will allow her to be so successful at SMU and in her future. We wish her nothing but the best of luck in everything!" commented Coach King

Kral has become very involved at Iowa Lakes in just one semester. She received ICCAC First Team Academic All-Region and All-Iowa Academic Team honors. She was named to the President's List as well as Phi Theta Kappa. Additionally, Kral is a member of handbells, jazz band, student senate, and the Criminal Justice club.

Emma had this to say about Iowa Lakes and her future, "My time at Iowa Lakes has been great. I am very thankful for Katie and Courtney who pushed me to be my best. I also want to thank my teammates and friends who have made my time here very fun and memorable. I chose Saint Mary's because it allowed me to continue playing softball and achieve a higher education. They also have a beautiful campus and helpful faculty members."

Photo ID: Photo of Emma Kral signing her letter of intent. From left to right: Coach Calkins, Emma Kral, Coach King.   

MEDIA: For more information, please contact Head Softball Coach, Katie King at (712) 362-8367 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.