Iowa City Today

Five high school athletes have signed scholarship agreements to join the University of Iowa softball team for the 2026 season, head coach Stacy May-Johnson announced Wednesday. The group includes two players from Iowa and three from other states.

The incoming class features Ireland Heer (right-handed pitcher/outfielder) from Broomfield, Colorado; Kayla Kersting (third base/catcher/utility) from Yorkville, Illinois; Paige Opheim (infielder) from Humboldt, Iowa; Carly Potts (right-handed pitcher/utility) from Haubstadt, Indiana; and Julia Roth (infielder/pitcher) from Dubuque, Iowa.

Ireland Heer was named CHSAA 5A Player of the Year in Colorado and is a two-time first-team all-state selection. She has also earned multiple conference honors both as a pitcher and academically. Head coach Stacy May-Johnson said, “Ireland is a hard throwing pitcher who will make an immediate impact. She has proven that she can handle a lot of innings while putting her nose down and competing. She changes speeds well and has the ability to get high level hitters out. In addition, she brings power to the plate and will help elevate our program.”

Kayla Kersting comes to Iowa as a three-time Illinois 4A all-state honoree with additional recognition at county and conference levels. She played third base for one of the top club teams in the country. May-Johnson described her as follows: “Kayla is a grinder on the softball field. She comes to us as an everyday high-level contributor at third base for one of the top clubs in the country and her talent is without question. What I enjoy most about Kayla is her love for the game. She plays with an unpretentious and unassuming passion for softball. She has all the tools, physical and mental, to become an elite athlete.”

Paige Opheim represents Humboldt High School in Iowa and played with the Iowa Premier National Team at both 16U and 18U levels. As a sophomore she hit .402 with a .958 fielding percentage, earning all-state honors early in her career. May-Johnson commented: “Paige is a strong hitter who also brings excellent athleticism in a power bat. When she connects with the ball, it goes a long way. Her physical tools coupled with a high-level work ethic make her the ideal Hawkeye. She is a proud Iowan and will no doubt help elevate our program [to] the highest level.”

Carly Potts joins from Indiana after being selected all-state in 2024 by hitting .448 with notable RBI totals alongside strong pitching statistics including an ERA below 2.00 across multiple seasons despite injury interruptions early on. May-Johnson said: “Carly is a pitcher with a great ability to throw weak contact. She will play a vital role in the success of our bullpen and will see innings immediately. She also comes to us as a talented two-way player who competes in the field when she isn’t pitching. I think she is only scratching the tip of the iceberg right now, and I believe she will develop into a great player.”

Julia Roth arrives after leading Dubuque Wahlert High School’s team to several state tournament finishes while setting multiple school records including single-season home runs (25), career home runs (57), RBIs (64), wins (21), among others. Her accolades include Sports Illustrated Elite Team All-State recognition as well as academic honors such as National Honor Society membership.

May-Johnson stated: “Julia is an incredible athlete who does so many different things well on the field. She hits for power, runs, pitches and plays shortstop. She is a multi-sport Iowan who reminds me of so many in-state athletes before her -- those who came to Iowa as athletes and left as elite softball players. I have no doubt that Julia is going leave her mark on this program.”

The five recruits are set to join Iowa's roster starting fall 2026.