Iowa Lakes Softball player, Olivia Funk, has recently decided to continue her athletic and academic careers at Augsburg University. She will be studying social work at the institution located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

I'm incredibly excited to be committing to Augsburg," commented Funk. "It would not have been possible without the support from my family, friends, and teammates. The coaches and staff at Augsburg are very welcoming. They made me feel very comfortable and like I fit in well. I am very excited to take this next step in my softball and academic journey."

Funk is the daughter of Ed Funk and Shelly Beyer. She is from Lewiston, Minnesota, and is a graduate of Lewiston-Altura High School.

In her sophomore campaign, Funk has compiled a .412 batting average with a .473 on-base percentage. She has 33 hits, including 4 doubles and 5 homeruns. Funk has scored 15 times, while driving in 27 of her teammates. Last season, Funk was selected as an Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar. She was also selected to the ICCAC Academic All-Region First Team and the NJCAA Academic All-American First Team.

Coach King had this to say about Funk, "I am so incredibly proud of Olivia. She did not see a ton of playing time last season, but she put her head down and worked. She is like a sponge, soaking up what she can to improve, and it has paid off immensely this season. Olivia is just as great of a person off the field. She has such a fun personality and is willing to help any person in need. This opportunity could not have come to a more deserving person!"

Funk and her teammates have accomplished a lot in the past two years together. They currently hold a 71-29-1 record and have appeared in a regional championship game. They have been ranked in the top 20 in the national junior college athletic association both years and were ranked #9 in all junior colleges, division 1-3, for highest team GPA.

As for her time at Iowa Lakes, Funk had this to say, "From the beginning, Iowa Lakes felt like home to me. I am so very grateful for all the people I have met and the friends I have here. I am very excited for the next leg of my journey, but it will be difficult to leave behind all of the relationships I have built here."

MEDIA:?For more information, please contact Head Softball Coach, Katie King at (712) 362-8367 or the Iowa Lakes sports information office at (712) 362-7928.?