From softball to basketball, former Kindred star has committed to UND

FARGO (KVRR) – A former Kindred High School star has made it known that she plans to join the North Dakota women’s basketball program after her softball career finishes at Alabama. Abby Duchscherer will be making the transition in 2026 and hit the ground running.

“Basketball has just always been something heavy on my heart,” said Duchscherer. “That’s exactly what I wanted to do, and go back home and play for the state of North Dakota one more time.”

Not everyday does someone go from playing softball to playing college basketball. There is a lot more to it than just picking up where you left off in high school. But for Duchscherer, she is looking forward to pushing herself in 2026.

“I was just excited. I mean, I love a challenge. I feel like that’s as a competitor, you have to love challenges,” said Duchscherer. “Just the love for my game and the drive I have for it, I’m like, there’s just no doubt in my mind, this can be an exciting next chapter. So a lot of the fields are just excitement and joy.”

In the end, yes Duchscherer plans to wear the Fighting Hawks Green and play under Head Coach Dennis Hutter. But there are many more layer to her story. This will be opportunity for friends and family to watch her play on the court as she closes out her final year in college sports.

“100% of the reason I want to go back home. I mean, it sucks that my grandparents can’t come down to every game in Alabama or just like close cousins and relatives. I mean, that part’s been a little hard for me, but it’s gonna mean the world to have my family in the stands.”

Duchscherer and Alabama softball open the SEC season on March 6 against Ole Miss.