Two years of hard work have paid off for Ladyjacks CF Stephany Ahmed as she has received a scholarship to play softball next season at McKendree University in Lebanon, Illinois. 

The Bearcats are an NCAA Division II school playing in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.  The GLVC has 16 teams and McKendree has qualified for the conference tournament 3 of the last 4 years.  

Ahmed, batted either leadoff or in the two hole her two seasons at DCB.  In 50 games over her two years at DCB (2nd season was just 6 games) Ahmed batted .316 (1 double, 6 triples and 1 HR) with a .373 OBP and added 42 runs scored with 23 RBI and 14 stolen bases.  

In 2019 she was voted to the All-MonDak team and the All Region Team as a CF.  She helped lead the Ladyjacks to the 2019 NJCAA Div. III National Tournament, where they finished 6th. 

"Steph worked very hard to get where she is.  She was the ultimate underdog.  Came from a tough Las Vegas high school league where she didn't get a chance to hit a lot.  She had good speed and a cannon of an arm so her defense got her the opportunity with us. She just kept working on her hitting and bunting and worked her way into the lineup and was a staple in the top of our order all the way to the National Tournament.  She is a great kid and I am so proud of her," added Head Coach Mike Smith.  

Ahmed could have come back to Bottineau for another season and Smith would have loved the chance to have her roam the outfield grass for another season however Smith feels this is the best spot for her.  "Div. II opportunities don't come up often and she is ready to move on to a new challenge.  She can play three years there and graduate with a degree!  You can't ask for more"!