Addy Abell Joins the Tritons in the GLVC
Lewistown, MO – In the early hours at Highland High School, senior Addy Abell signed her national letter of intent to continue her academic and athletic career with the University of Missouri–St. Louis Tritons softball program. Abell said the moment felt surreal, noting, “It’s really exciting, going from high school softball to college is a whole different step,” as she expressed her excitement.
Abell was joined by family, friends, teammates, and coaches who gathered to celebrate her achievements and the next chapter of her career. She took time to reflect on the support behind her journey. She credited the Highland softball coaching staff, saying they have been with her from the beginning. “Adam Brewer has been a big part ever since, like 7 or 8. They know how to push me to levels I didn’t know I needed to reach.” She also thanked Shawn Christ, sharing, “He’s pushed me a lot by going to these high-level tournaments. It takes a lot to go to different states and keep pushing through, but he makes it fun and level-headed.” Abell also expressed appreciation toward UMSL coaches Addison Purvis and Chelsey Mulligan “for giving me this opportunity,” adding that it’s fantastic to compete at such a high level and carry that forward from Highland.
Academically, Abell plans to major in Chiropractic and already has her long-term goals aligned. She explained that the decision was clear early in her high school career. “Ever since freshman year, I knew I wanted to go into Chiropractic, something along the lines of maybe physical therapy. I was walking around the career fair, and I found UMSL, and it’s a 3 and 3 school, and I thought that would be the best fit for me going into Chiropractic.”
The Tritons compete in NCAA Division II within the Great Lakes Valley Conference, a league widely recognized for its competitive softball programs. Highland softball coach Paul Scifres emphasized that Abell’s choice reflects her drive to challenge herself at the highest level. He shared that her decision “speaks to their competitive nature. They want to go to good programs to continue to compete against good teams, and Addy is no different. We are excited that Addy is in the GLVC, and we feel we will have opportunities to see her continue to play this game. Very proud of her and excited for her family.”
Abell will see familiar competition in the GLVC, including Truman State and Quincy University—where Highland alum Haleigh Winters currently plays. “I’ll be playing Haleigh, so that’s pretty exciting,” Abell said.
Her senior season was nothing short of dominant. She posted a .471 batting average with a .508 on-base percentage and .806 slugging percentage, collecting 48 hits, 15 doubles, five triples, and three home runs. She finished with 50 RBIs, scored 48 runs, and fielded primarily at second base with a .902 fielding percentage. Her performance earned her First-Team All-Region and All-District honors.
As a junior, Abell helped lead the Lady Cougars to the Class 2 Missouri State Championship and received all-state recognition for her contributions.
