Caspers signs letter of intent to play basketball at DMACC

SHEFFIELD – Emily Caspers always knew basketball was for her.

While her older sister Jacqlyn went the route of volleyball and is playing that sport at the Division I level, Emily preferred the Winter sport.

She proved that by signing a letter of intent to play basketball at Des Moines Area Community College on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

“It was always basketball (for me),” Caspers said. “Jacqlyn was always volleyball player. I was always liked the physical sport.

“She really pushed me to play for a college. I was always…on it. I don’t know if I’m good enough, if I’m this. She told me all about the experiences and I was like, that is what I want to do. I thank her for that and being in that situation.”

The DMACC basketball program, under head coach Steve Krafcisin, who is in his 15th year as head coach of the Bears, has a career record of 309-135. He has coached four NJCAA All-Americans, had 55 to All-Region teams and placed 41 players at four-year institutions.

“They’ve had a lot of success over the years with his players going to Iowa State or four-year institutions,” Caspers said. “So, we’ll see how I am in two years and decide if I’m going to go on.”

Caspers also wanted to sign before the season started.

“I just wanted everything to be set in stone, so I’m not struggling through the season wondering, ‘where am I going to go?’” Caspers said. “This way, I know exactly where I’m going.

“I went on so many visits and every school I was like, ‘okay, this is nice.’ And when I went to DMACC, within five minutes I knew, ‘this is it. This is where I’m going to go.’ My mom looked at the price tag and asked, ‘are you sure?’ and I said, ‘yes.’ It’s just a feeling that I had.”

Caspers earned first team all-conference as a junior, averaging 15.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 36 blocked shots with the Warhawks and looks to play a big role for coach Rodney Huber’s team again this season.

“It’s been amazing,” Caspers said of her career at West Fork. “Last year, we had a fresh new start team and it’s just how it is, and this year we have a fresh new start team, it’s how it is again. I think we’re going to have a good season, we have a lot of potential.”

Caspers said she plans on studying either Agri-Business or Architectural Design.