PIQUA — Piqua High school seniors Aubree Schrubb and Brayden Offenbacher made their college choices in the PHS lobby Thursday morning.

Aubree Schrubb

Schrubb, the daughter of Aaron and Elizabeth Schrubb, will play volleyball for Barton College in Wilson, N.C.

She said one of her biggest motivations was her sister Kayla, who played soccer for both Indiana State University and Wright State University.

“I think when I saw all the friends she gained from her college experience and what a great experience it was for her, that made me want to do it.”

Schrubb said Barton College, a D-II school, was an easy choice for her.

“I think it was the coach (Jeff Lennox),” Schrubb said. “He has been with me all the way through. I think that was the biggest reason for me.”

Despite an injury plagued high school career, Schrubb put up impressive numbers at Piqua.

She had 72 kills and 32 blocks as a freshman and followed that as a sophomore with 152 kills, 23 blocks, 164 assists, 44 aces and 147 digs.

After missing much of her junior season with injury, she played through an injury this past season.

She had 219 kills, 47 blocks, 227 assists, 42 aces and 207 digs.

Schrubb had surgery after the season both her junior and senior seasons.

“Aubree (Schrubb) did a great job persevering through this season,” Piqua volleyball coach Jenni Huelskamp said. “She really likes Barton College, which is the important thing. She is really happy with her decision.”

Schrubb, currently on crutches, hopes this past surgery will be her last.

“They did what was basically bone surgery (after her junior season),” Schrubb said. “I think they missed the tendons and ligaments. They did that this time and hopefully that will be it (for surgeries).”

It also prevented her to fulfill her potential in basketball as well, missing the last two seasons.

As a freshman, she averaged 5.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks, before having a breakout season as a sophomore.

She averaged 9.5 points, 12.4 points and 2.6 blocks, leading the MVL in blocks and rebounds and finishing third in field goal percentage (53 percent).

“It is frustrating watching other players have success in a sport you have had a lot of success in,” Schrubb said. “It was tough at times mentally. But, I feel like after this surgery, I feel like I will be good to go and be able to show what I can do at Barton (College).”

She expects to do that as a freshman.

“Coach has already talked about me playing next year as a freshman,” she said. “They plan on me playing at right middle. That is one reason I chose a small D-II school. I feel like I haven’t even reached half of my potential. I am excited (to show that at the next level).”

Brayden Offenbacher

Offenbacher is the son of Brittney Wilmer and Nathan Offenbacher.

He will continue his baseball career at Tiffin University.

“I am glad to have this decision made,” Offenbacher said. “Now, I can focus on this spring (his senior year with Piqua baseball).”

Offenbacher said the decision to go to Tiffin was an easy one.

“I just loved everything about it,” he said. “I really liked the coaches and the players. I liked campus and the atmosphere and they have a great academic program, which was important to me.”

Piqua baseball coach Brad Lavey agreed it is a great fit for Offenbacher.

“He was excited when they asked him to throw in the bullpen when he was up there,” Lavey said. “He is really excited about being there and they are happy to get him. So, it really is a good fit for him.”

Offenbacher knows nothing will be handed him — just like at Piqua.

“I have had to work hard for everything,” Offenbacher said. “Even this year, nothing is being given to me. I am going to have to work hard. And it will be the same way at Tiffin. If I work really hard, I think I can see time on the mound as a freshman.”

After losing his sophomore season to Covid, Offenbacher emerged last season for the Indians.

He had a 4-3 record and a 3.99 ERA.

In 40 innings pitched, he had 59 strikeouts — fifth in the MVL.

At the plate, he batted .280, with four doubles, a triple, 12 RBIs and 13 stolen bases.

“That is where my focus is right now,” Offenbacher said. “Having a big year this spring.”

Which won’t surprise Lavey.

“Nobody is more deserving of this than Brayden (Offenbacher),” Lavey said. “There is going to be nobody that improves more than he has. We need him, both on the mound and at the plate this spring, everything he can do for us.”

Before he takes his talents to Tiffin.