ROCHELLE — Lauren Dyer said the family-oriented and welcoming experience she felt while visiting Wartburg College played a major role in her commitment to continue her academics and her softball career with the Knights next year. Currently a senior, Dyer has played all four years of high school softball at the varsity level, where she’s become a two-way standout at RTHS.

“They have a very competitive schedule and they play a lot of top teams at the Division III level,” said Dyer, who pitches and plays first base. “I’m excited to learn more and to get better. Playing at RTHS has helped me to learn about myself and how to deal with challenges and setbacks.”

A four-year varsity starter for the Lady Hubs, Dyer immediately took on a big role during her freshman season, when she posted a .365 batting average with 19 hits and eight RBIs while striking out nine batters over 25.2 innings pitched. Dyer became one of Rochelle’s top hitters as a sophomore, recording a .468 average with 22 hits, nine doubles while scoring 15 runs. In the circle, Dyer threw 37.1 innings and struck out 44 batters while allowing only seven walks.

“I was a little nervous as a freshman,” said Dyer, who credited former Lady Hub softball standout Jordin Dickey for her mentorship early in her high school career. “Jordin helped me through a lot of it and she taught me the dos and don’ts. I learned a lot from her and I looked up to her. I’ve learned how to be a leader and how to support others when they’re feeling down.”

Although a back injury shortened Dyer’s junior season to 11 games, she still managed to post a .355 batting average with 11 hits and seven RBIs while throwing 32 innings in the circle. Now fully healthy, Dyer is off to a scorching start to her senior season, notching 14 hits over the team’s first eight games. Dyer, who plays travel softball with the Kishwaukee Valley Storm, has earned Academic All-Interstate 8 softball honors twice and was a Sportsmanship Award winner.

“I’ve been called the mom of the team,” said Dyer, who’s the only senior on the varsity team this season. “My teammates come to me for advice and I’ve been able to help them. I feel like we have started this season strong. We have a young team, but we have a lot of experience. We’re all friends and we’re all getting along in practice… It feels great because last year, I was so disappointed that I couldn’t play, but my parents and my travel coaches really supported me.”

A multi-sport athlete at RTHS, Dyer played volleyball for three years and tennis for one year, earning Academic All-Interstate 8 honors in both sports. Dyer, who has played travel softball with the Kishwaukee Valley Storm for two years, said she’s considering studying nursing.

“I’m excited to see Lauren play at the next level,” RTHS head coach Deanna Jacobs said. “I think Wartburg was a great choice and she will be able to continue pitching and doing damage with her bat.”