Two Brighton High School seniors secured the next step in their athletic career Monday signing letters of intent to play with Dordt College. 

    Kacy Oberfoell and Rachel Mitchell intend to play softball at the small Iowa college next year.
    Dordt College softball coach Jeff Zomer was on hand for the signing ceremony Monday at Brighton High School to welcome the girls to the team.  Oberfoell plans to study agricultural business, and Mitchell intends to study animal science or criminal justice.
    The decision to go with Dordt College started when Oberfoell performed an Internet search for small colleges with good agricultural programs.
    “I’m going home back where my family’s from,” Oberfoell said.  “I’ve had many good memories here, but now it’s time for my next chapter.”
    Zomer was happy to have found a good pitcher in Oberfoell. But when he discovered her best friend, Mitchell, was also her catcher, he knew he had a rare opportunity.
    “A coach’s best dream is to find a great pitcher/catcher combo,” Zomer said.  “They will absolutely excel in our conference and make a name for themselves.”
    Mitchell said the decision to travel to Iowa was not just motivated by her best friend or the athletic program.
    “I fell in love with the area when I was out there,” Mitchell said.  “They have amazing programs.  It’s a perfect school.”
    The two Brighton players admitted they encountered some misadventures while visiting Iowa, but these experiences made them appreciate their new home even more.
    Oberfoell and Mitchell missed their flight back to Colorado when they became stuck behind a large hunting party trying to check guns and ammo before the flight.
    “When they called and said they missed their flight, I was confused at first.  We got them to the airport two hours early, and the airport in Sioux Falls isn’t big,” Zomer said.
    The airline gave the girls free tickets, and Oberfoell and Mitchell eventually made their flight. In the meantime, they got to know their coach a little better.
    “He picks us up and we met his wife and his wife’s parents,” Mitchell said.  “We went to their house and learned how to pick pears.  It was a great experience.”