Mount Ayr Alum Addy Reynolds Thrives at UNI

The senior softball player is focused on academics and helping her team in any way she can during her final season.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 12:07pm

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Addy Reynolds, a former star athlete at Mount Ayr High School, is entering her senior year of softball at the University of Northern Iowa. She has carved out a key role with the Panthers, primarily as a pinch runner, while also excelling in the classroom and earning academic honors. Reynolds is looking forward to continuing to contribute to her team's success this season as they aim for another strong campaign in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Why it matters

Reynolds' story highlights the importance of balancing athletics and academics at the Division I level. Despite not being a full-time starter, she has found ways to positively impact her team through her speed and willingness to do whatever is needed. Her dedication to her studies and future career in physical therapy also showcases the well-rounded student-athlete experience that UNI provides.

The details

After playing sparingly as a freshman, Reynolds has steadily increased her role with the UNI softball team. She transitioned to the outfield as a sophomore and then became a valuable pinch runner last season, utilizing the speed that earned her eight state track medals in high school. While she would love more playing time, Reynolds is happy to contribute in whatever way the coaches see fit, whether that's in the outfield or on the bases. Off the field, she has been recognized multiple times for her academic achievements, including being named an Easton/NFCA Scholar All-American.

  • Reynolds is entering her senior season at UNI.
  • UNI opens the 2026 season on February 6th with the Doc Halverson UNI-Dome Classic.

The players

Addy Reynolds

A former star athlete at Mount Ayr High School who is entering her senior season playing softball at the University of Northern Iowa.

Ryan Jacobs

The head coach of the University of Northern Iowa softball team.

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What they’re saying

“It's crazy that I just started my last semester this week. We just started school on Tuesday, which is crazy, but it's been going well. I am going to continue my education at Des Moines University in their Doctor of Physical Therapy school, and so I'm very appreciative of UNI and how they set me up academically. Then, obviously all the connections I've made athletically, and just a great experience that's been with my teammates and my coaches and getting to travel and all of those things.”

— Addy Reynolds (KMA Sports)

“Obviously, everyone's hoping to get the most playing time, but I'm very happy with the things I've been able to do for my team. I'm just going to keep buying in and being willing to help my team out in whatever area that that is. So, whether I get time in the outfield or I continue pinch running, I'll be happy just helping my team with how my coaches sees fit.”

— Addy Reynolds (KMA Sports)

“(Academics are) very important. Obviously, softball is not guaranteed forever, and so setting yourself up academically is just as important, and that's something that Coach (Ryan Jacobs) talks about. We set in stone day one where the four years of our college experience is going to prepare us for the next 40 years of our career in whatever aspect we decide to choose.”

— Addy Reynolds (KMA Sports)

What’s next

Reynolds and UNI will open the 2026 season on February 6th with the Doc Halverson UNI-Dome Classic.

The takeaway

Addy Reynolds' story exemplifies the dedication and well-rounded approach of a successful Division I student-athlete. Despite not being a full-time starter, she has carved out an important role on her team while also excelling in the classroom and preparing for a future career in physical therapy, showcasing the holistic development that the UNI experience provides.