By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
After a Class 5 third-place finish in 2020, Kickapoo’s softball underwent a bit of a rebuild last season with a host of new players in prominent roles.
Led by graduates Megan Dancey, Bella Williams, Esther Collins and Kate Pierce, the 18-11 Chiefs fell to Carthage in the first round of districts.
Head coach Jason Howser, entering his eighth season at the helm, believes the challenges faced by his relatively young squad will pay big dividends heading into the fall campaign.
“We introduced multiple new players to the varsity level in the fall of 2021,” Howser said. “That experience should help us this year.”
A key component of Kickapoo’s new-look roster was Allison Scott.
Scott, a freshman pitcher, was named the Ozark Conference’s Pitcher of the Year in 2021.
“Allison’s ability to compete in the circle will be big for us this fall,” Howser said. “She had an outstanding freshman season and is a very hard worker.”
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A trio of all-conference seniors also return for the Chiefs in Callie Muldoon (outfield/catcher), Taylor Akers (outfield) and Karli Facklam (third base).
“Callie is a tough minded leader we will count on this fall,” Howser said. “Taylor has game changing speed and the ability to create problems for the opposing team. Karli is an outstanding third baseman and one of the toughest players we have had at KHS.”
Sophomore Taryn Hagardt (shortstop), junior Kaylee Henderson (designated player/first base) and junior Reese Harrell (outfield) round out the list of Kickapoo returnees.
Hagardt and Henderson were both named to all-conference teams.
A quartet of sophomore newcomers will compete for varsity playing time in Mikayla Pilley (infield), Sidney Pierce (infield), Hailey Wilson (outfield) and Evie Greve (pitcher).
Howser also believes a large freshman class could have an impact on the varsity roster this season.
“We have the largest group of incoming freshmen we have had in the past eight years,” Howser said. “Several of the freshmen will have an opportunity to contribute this fall.”
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Howser also believes the Chiefs potential for another deep postseason run largely depends on the team’s senior leadership.
“Our seniors have been three- or four-year starters, and several were in the lineup when we went to the final four,” Hoswer said. “Their leadership will be invaluable as we get into the highs and lows for the season. Our pitching should be a big bonus for us this fall, as well.”
In the circle, Scott will once again pitch a majority of innings for the Chiefs, with Greve providing another option from the bullpen as needed.
Following an Aug. 20 home jamboree, Kickapoo opens its season Aug. 26 against Nixa.
