Casler proudly wears her new Baker University Wildcats shirt after committing to continue her softball career in Baldwin City, Kansas.
Photo taken and submitted by Misty Smith.
EXCELSIOR SPRINGS, Mo. — After four standout seasons with the Lady Tigers, Josie Casler is taking her glove and her grit to Baker University. The senior has officially committed to continue her academic and athletic career with the Wildcat softball team in Baldwin City, Kansas, beginning next fall.
Baker University is a four-year institution competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as part of the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC).
Casler flashes a grin during warmups as she tosses the ball from behind the plate — a familiar sight for Lady Tiger fans over the past four seasons.
Photo by A.B. Price. See more of his work and purchase prints at excelsioreye.shootproof.com.
Excelsior Springs senior Josie Casler crouches behind the plate in full catcher’s gear during a Lady Tiger softball game. Casler recently committed to play for Baker University in Baldwin City, Kansas.
Photo by A.B. Price. See more of his work and purchase prints at excelsioreye.shootproof.com.
“I chose Baker because of the feeling of community within the school and sports program,” Casler said. “The family-like relationship within the team and coaches was an important reason for making the choice.”
The Wildcats finished their 2025 season with a 31-19 record, finishing second in the conference tournament and advancing to the NAIA national tournament, where they went 2-2.
A four-year starter for the Excelsior Springs Lady Tigers, Casler has been a consistent leader on the field and at the plate. She will be called upon to play first base and catcher for the Wildcats during her collegiate career.
Casler shares a smile with teammates in the dugout, reflecting the leadership and positivity she brought to the Lady Tiger program.
Photo by A.B. Price. See more of his work and purchase prints at excelsioreye.shootproof.com.
Casler plans to major in Exercise Science with hopes of pursuing a career in physical therapy after graduation.
She credits her parents, Misty Smith and Corey Casler, for shaping her athletic journey. “My mom has always been my biggest supporter, and my dad has been the person that always pushed me to get better,” she said.
Casler stays focused behind the plate as the opposing batter steps up during a Lady Tiger softball matchup.
Photo by A.B. Price. See more of his work and purchase prints at excelsioreye.shootproof.com.
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