Slinger, Wi – On Wednesday, November 12—one of five official NCAA signing dates—three standout Slinger High School student-athletes formally committed to continuing their athletic and academic journeys at the collegiate level.
Ava Dziedzic will continue her running career at the University of Nebraska Omaha, joining the Mavericks’ cross country and track & field programs. At Slinger, Ava has been a steady contributor and leader for the Owls’ highly successful distance squads. This fall, she placed 6th at the WIAA State Cross Country Meet and 2nd in the North Shore Conference standings.
Piper Schuster has committed to Lipscomb University in Tennessee, where she will also compete in cross country and track. Another cornerstone of the Owls’ dominant distance program, Piper captured the North Shore Conference Championship this year and finished 9th at the WIAA State Cross Country Meet.
Together, Ava and Piper have been part of a historic era for Slinger Girls Cross Country, helping lead the team to four consecutive North Shore Conference Championships and top-three finishes at the WIAA State Meet — including the 2023 State Championship, Runner-Up finishes in 2022 and 2025, and a third-place finish in 2024.
The two seniors have brought the Owl’s cross-country program to the next level.
As a member of the 2023 championship team, Dziedzic finished among the top individual contributors placing 17th overall in the 5K at state with a time of 19:13.9. Earlier in her season she earned recognition such as being runner‐up at the Matt Sadler Invitational with a time of 18:29.40.
Dziedzic has been nominated for the “Wisconsin Performer of the Week” reflecting her dual commitment to academics and athletics.
Samantha Wacker has signed with Concordia University, St. Paul in Minnesota, where she will compete in Division II women’s soccer. A two-year varsity starter for the Owls, Samantha has been a key force in the midfield, contributing both defensively and offensively while wearing jersey #13 (previously #14). Beyond high school, she played eight seasons with North Shore United’s Girls Academy and was named Second Team All-Conference in 2023.
These three student-athletes exemplify the best of Slinger High School — demonstrating excellence in athletics, academics, and character. The Slinger community celebrates Samantha, Ava, and Piper for their achievements and wishes them continued success as they take their talents to the next level.
