Brodhead’s Ava Risum announced Sunday, Dec. 3 her commitment to continue her academic and softball careers at Lindenwood University. Risum said playing collegiate softball “means everything to (her). This has been a lifelong dream of (hers) that (she) will be able to pursue.” When selecting Lindenwood, Risum “loved the school, the class sizes, what they stand for and their family-like culture.” In 2023, Risum was one piece of Brodhead’s dynamic pitching duo, which led the Cardinals to their first state championship since 2004. She posted a 10-1 record with 153 strikeouts and just five walks for a 0.42 ERA. At leadoff, Risum batted .344 with a team-best 14 walks.