Sean Williams/MDN – Aubrey Griedl made it official and signed with the Minot State Beavers women’s basketball program on Tuesday. The signing took place at Our Redeemer’s Christian School.

Our Redeemer’s Christian School senior Aubrey Griedl built a great opportunity for herself by being able to play college basketball at Minot State University with head coach Mike Brandt and the Beavers women’s basketball program. On Tuesday afternoon, that opportunity became official as Griedl signed at a crowded ORCS gym.

“I feel great. I’ve been kind of stressed out these last few months trying to get everything in order from high school to college. It just feels good, and I feel fresh being able to sign and move on to the next part of my life,” Griedl said.

The thought of staying in Minot and being able to play basketball at the next level was appealing to Griedl, however, her decision had a lot more factors come into play, such as the student-athletes and coaching staff making an impact on her.

“Definitely the coaches and the teammates. When I talked to them and visited with them, they were so kind and welcoming. The coaches wanted to know so much about me as a person and not just about my basketball career,” Griedl said on what made her choose Minot State.

She added, “I really like that because I want to play for a team that’s going to support me athletically and push me to be a better player, but also be my support system while I’m in college.”

Aside from the coaches and student-athletes being there for her during this decision, Griedl shared that her mom provided the most support, then ORCS head coach Hart Andes, and ORCS athletic director Liz Vibeto talked to her and helped guide her through the decision-making process.

Being a multi-sport athlete at ORCS, Griedl spent her high school days playing basketball, volleyball, and softball. Basketball, however, stood out as her favorite among the group and was one she saw herself playing at the next level if she got the chance to.

“I always knew that if I had the opportunity to play college sports, I would take it, but I didn’t know if I was ever good enough to do that,” Griedl said.

She added, “I did always see myself playing basketball if I did play a sport in college. It has always been my favorite sport, even with ORCS being a huge volleyball school. I always knew basketball held a special place in my heart.”

Now that Griedl has the opportunity to play the sport she loves at the next level, she shared some words of wisdom for those hoping to get that same chance one day.

“Try to be as stress free as possible. Be yourself and don’t worry about being good enough or not good enough for the coaches or other players there. Just know who you are, stick to your talents, and know your worth.”

Upon enrolling and becoming a student-athlete at Minot State, Griedl plans on majoring in psychology, and that program was another one of the many reasons why she believes Minot State was the best fit for her academically and athletically.