Ireland Buss commits to Iowa State: Ames center fielder to join Cyclone softball team
Ireland Buss wasted no time making her dream a reality.
Buss, entering her senior year at Ames High this fall, received an offer to play Division 1 softball from Iowa State head softball coach Jamie Pinkerton on Monday. On Tuesday she announced she was committing to the Cyclones.
"Growing up in Ames, I've grown to know and love Iowa State," Buss said. "It's always been my dream school."
Buss, who is also an outstanding track runner and volleyball player, picked the Cyclones over UNI, DMACC and Wartburg.
"We are extremely excited and proud of Ireland for her commitment to play college softball at Iowa State," Ames head softball coach Meghan Von Behren said. "It will be so neat to have another Ames High athlete playing collegiately in town, and we definitely look forward to watching more ISU softball. What an inspiration for so many little girls in Ames."
More: The Ames softball team is off to its best start in years. Ireland Buss is a big reason why
More: Dallas Sauser is at home on the football field. How the Ames senior became an elite 5A quarterback
More: Jalen Lueth had more than 600 yards receiving for Ames. He wants to double that number.
Buss is following in the footsteps of her older sister Josceyln in becoming a female athlete at ISU. Joscelyn is a diver on the Cyclone women's swimming and diving team.
"Watching Joscelyn has been an inspiration," Ireland Buss said. "She can't say enough good things about the experience and her team at ISU. She wanted me to come to ISU and it's a dream come true getting to follow her."
Buss will likely play in the outfield for Iowa State and she said she expects to spend her first season learning the ropes and helping the team as a pinch runner.
"I'm willing to get in there and work hard," Buss said. "I'll go wherever he needs me and see where it goes from there."
The commitment to the Cyclones came after Buss turned in an all-state season for Ames.
During her junior campaign Buss hit .460 and crushed a school-record 12 home runs. She also scored 49 runs, drove in 29, stole 20 bases and connected on five triples and three doubles.
At ISU Buss plans on majoring in kinesiology and biology.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Ames softball player Ireland Buss commits to Iowa State
