Hermantown’s Thun Commits To NDSU For Softball

Wes Vork-NSO File

Nov 21, 2011

Northland Sports Online

The Hermantown softball program has once again produced a collegiate softball pitcher. Northland Sports Online has learned that standout pitcher Katie Thun has verbally committed to North Dakota State University to play softball.

After being spotted by University
personel while playing with the Minnesota Irish over the summer Thun decided to make an unofficial visit to the University. At the end of the visit she was offered a scholarship and committed to play softball beginning with the 2014 season. “It has been a dream to play college softball; I love softball and it is nice to get the chance to play at the Division I level” explained Thun.

Thun is the second consecutive Hermantown pitcher to commit to the college ranks. Megan Mullen, a 2010 grad who led the Hawks to a state championship in 2009 starred as a freshman for UMD last season. Mullen won 16 games and set single season records with 8 shutouts and 194 strikeouts while being named NSIC freshman of the year.

Thun believes being on the same pitching staff as Mullen was a great learning tool. “As a freshman I was able to study Megan and watch her. She was also really great at working with me and answering any questions I had.” She also credits Hermantown Head Softball Coach Tom Bang and his staff in preparing her for the next level. “Coach Bang has helped a lot, He’s a great coach with great ideas on how to approach the game; and he believes in us.” Stated Thun.

A couple of the things which sold Thun on NDSU were the campus which she describes as “very nice” and the current group of softball players. “I met with a bunch of them and they are a close, tight knit group. I
really liked that it’s “all about team” with them.” Explained Thun.

As three sport athlete who also stars on the basketball and volleyball courts for the Hawks; she can now enjoy the remainder of her junior and her senior seasons. “It is really nice having it (the recruiting process) over with and not having to worry. Now I can just enjoy myself and work to help my team.”

Wes Vork can be reached at wes@northlandsportsonline.com