Another EP Softball player will be playing at the college level next year as Ava Grawe recently signed a letter of intent to play for Central College in Pella, Iowa next season. Her signing follows the signing of three other Panthers who will be taking their talents to Sauk Valley Community College next season.
Last Friday, senior, Ava Grawe gathered with family and teammates in the Erie High School Media Center to sign her letter of intent to play for the NCAA Division III Central College Dutch next season.
Grawe said her commitment to Central started taking shape several years ago. “It all started when I went to Central College for FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) camp. I think it was about four years ago when I went for the first time and I just felt a spark. Since then, I have attended FCA camp there for the past three years and also went to a Central Softball Camp. Every time I have gone to Central I have felt that same spark as I did the first time I stepped foot on campus. Central felt like home. The town, the campus, and the people all make everything feel like a movie- Just too good to be true. As I’ve known about Central and the softball coaches there for 4 years now, it feels like I’ve known them my whole life. I went to Central for an overnight visit with the softball team back in October 2025. The girls on the team were all very welcoming and made me feel like I belonged. The following morning I was asked by Coach O’Brien, how I liked Central and how I would feel about being on the team. I was excited and couldn’t have thought of a better school and team to be a part of. Around a week later I decided to make the decision to commit to Central for academics and softball.”
Central has an impressive softball program, which has been under the leadership of Coach, George Wares since 1985. Wares has won nearly 1,300 games including 4 national titles and has 33 playoff appearances during his tenure.
EP head coach Jessie Rosenow had high praise for Grawe. “Over the past two seasons, I’ve had the privilege of getting to know and coach Ava, and one thing that stands out immediately is her drive and work ethic. She is the type of athlete who will do anything that is asked of her and consistently puts in the work to improve her game. Ava’s versatility makes her a valuable asset on the field, as she has the ability to play both infield and outfield. Her speed on the base paths was a major strength for our team last season, where she led the team and constantly put pressure on opposing defenses. I believe Ava will make an impact at Central College in whatever role or position she is asked to play. I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to coach her, and we are so proud of the young woman and player she has become.”
Grawe says she will will be majoring in Business and getting a minor in Multi-Media Design with the goal of becoming a Digital Media Design Specialist. “The coaches and the team have made the journey seem special so far and I cannot wait to see what the next four years have in store for me.”
Ava is the daughter of Corey and Kourtney Grawe.
