DELAINEY BARGFREDE went 16-7 this past season as a junior for Webster City. The Lynx standout is headed to Western Kentucky next fall. (DFJ file photo)

Delainey Bargfrede has a big senior season with a lot of critical decisions and memory-making moments ahead.

Of all the boxes she needs to check, though, the Webster City student-athlete has already confirmed her college destination and pending career path.

Bargfrede committed to Western Kentucky University last February, as the standout softball player was able to secure her future — and gain peace of mind — heading into what is often a period of uncertainty for high schoolers.

“I chose WKU after I visited there last winter, toured campus, and got to watch how they ran practice and how the team interacted,” Bargfrede said. “I instantly loved the team environment and culture, and I got along well with the coaches and players.

“I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to play at their level (Div. I), especially with the education they were offering.”

Bargfrede, who carries a perfect cumulative grade point average of 4.0 into her senior year, selected WKU — a school of over 20,000 located in Bowling Green, Ky. — based on the total academic and athletic package.

“At WKU, I plan to major in Kinesiology and minor in Psychology,” said Bargfrede, who is also on track to earn an Associate of Science degree from Iowa Central Community College to flank her Webster City High School diploma this coming spring. “Ensuring that WKU offered my intended major was a must.

“My education is very important to me, as I’ve always strived to push myself academically as much as I do athletically.”

Bargfrede went 16-7 this past season with a 1.03 earned run average. She struck out 178 batters for the Lynx, and opponents batted just .185 against her.

Bargfrede, who also hit a Webster City-best .337, was a third team all-state selection. She garnered first team all-NCC and all-district recognition as well.

“This past season did not have the outcome that many of us had hoped for,” Bargfrede admitted. “After losing two huge offensive and defensive threats (to graduation) from the prior season, we started off a little shaky. But once we settled in and found our groove as a team, we were able to show the level we were capable of competing (as Webster City won eight of its final 10 games).”

Bargfrede is now 45-18 overall in three full seasons at the varsity level. The Lynx went 13-1 and clinched the North Central Conference championship in 2021 and ’22, then placed second this past summer with an 11-3 record in the league.

Bargfrede is hoping her senior year will provide a fitting conclusion to an already-productive prep career.

“There is always room to improve, from hitting the weight room to off-season batting and field drills,” said Bargfrede, the daughter of former Webster City all-stater Meredith Tharp and ex-St. Edmond standout Cory Bargfrede. “I plan to continue to do my part by continuing with my off-season pitching lessons and gaining additional experience by playing club ball as well.”

Western Kentucky, a member of Conference USA, went 30-24 overall last year. Under the direction of head coach Amy Tudor, the Hilltoppers are 157-70 since 2019.