Though Jordyn Bahl doesn’t start high school until next month, the Papillion-La Vista freshman-to-be already knows where she’s going to college.
After spending Monday and Tuesday at Nebraska’s camp with her Monarch teammates, Bahl returned to Lincoln on Wednesday. This trip was to visit with NU coaches, tour the campus and talk about the future.
Before Bahl returned to Papillion, her educational future was planned for the next eight years. Bahl, a pitcher and middle infielder, received and accepted a scholarship offer to play for the Huskers beginning in the 2021-22 school year.
“I’ve always wanted to be a Husker, being raised here, getting pumped for football games,” Bahl said. “It’s been so exciting, and my family, we’re all super excited.”
While Bahl looks forward to being a Husker, she’s focused on her four high school seasons that begin next month.
“I’m really excited about playing for Papillion,” Bahl said. “I don’t want to forget about the next four years. We’ve got some state championships to win first.”
Monarchs coach Todd Petersen said Bahl has been attending Papio softball camps at least since the third grade. Bahl knows there’s a winning tradition in softball that no other program can match — 13 state championships and more All-Nebraska selections than any other school.
“Their tradition is one of success, and that’s what they strive for every year,” Bahl said. “My older brother goes there; my grandfather has coached there for a long time. I’ve been raised in the Monarch tradition.
“There is a lot of pride representing your town and your state, and that means a lot more. You’re from there and you want to represent it.”
Bahl’s brother Hayden is a junior who plays both basketball and baseball; her grandfather is longtime Monarchs boys tennis coach Greg Classen.
Bahl said she’s happy to play wherever Petersen decides in the fall. Another Husker recruit — senior Courtney Wallace — already is helping Bahl adjust to life in high school ball.
“During summer workouts Courtney has been my go-to upperclassman,” Bahl said. “She always has my back. She’s a great mentor and a great player. It will be cool playing with her this season.”
