By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Kickapoo softball has enjoyed a tradition full of success, and last year proved to be no different.
“The 2022 Chiefs had a good season,” longtime head coach Howser said. “We finished 26-9 on the season and second place in the Ozark Conference. For the returning players this fall they gained great experience that should help them compete this fall.”
Heading into the fall campaign, Howser’s first order of business will be replacing production from a strong class of graduates including all-state outfielder Taylor Akers.
“[Akers] was sure fun to watch the past four years,” Howser said. “We cannot replace her.”
The junior duo of Taryn Hagardt and Allison Scott will step into feature roles and lead Kickapoo this season.
Hagardt, an all-conference and all-district shortstop, finished the season with a .398 average and 27 runs batted in.
“[Hagardt] is a two-year varsity starter and will be our shortstop,” Howser said. “She was first team all-conference last fall. We will lean on her leadership and consistent play.”
Scott, an all-conference, all-district and all-region pitcher, posted a 22-9 record with a 2.925 earned run average and 217 strikeouts as a sophomore.
“Allison has been a constant pitcher for two years,” Howser said. “She will again anchor the circle for us this fall. Her work ethic and desire to be great has allowed her to improve each season. Her leadership in the circle will be vital for our success this fall.”
The pair will be joined by senior all-conference honoree Kaylee Henderson, who hit .289 last season with 26 runs batted in.
“Kaylee Henderson will be the lone senior starter for us,” Howser said. “She will play first base and designated hitter for us this fall.”
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Katie Vaughan, Ellie Shevey, Mikayla Pilley and Callie Kilgo also return for the Chiefs.
Vaughan, a sophomore all-conference and all-district infielder and designated player, hit .375 with 25 runs batted in last season.
“Katie Vaughan will expand her role this fall and be an everyday starter for us,” Howser said. “She had a tremendous freshman season and we’re looking for her to keep getting better.”
Shevey, a sophomore outfielder and catcher, hit .188 last season with 9 runs batted in.
“Ellie Shevey was our right fielder last fall,” Howser said. “She will take over the catching duties for us this year. Last season’s experience will help become more of an on-field leader this year.”
Pilley, a junior infielder, hit .205 with 10 runs batted in and 1 home run last season.
“Mikayla Pilley played in the infield for us last fall,” Howser said. “Mikayla is a plus defender and her bat will be counted on this fall.”
Kilgo, a sophomore pitcher, finished with a 3-0 record, a 4.154 average and 22 strikeouts last season.
“Callie has worked hard to improve her pitching and she will get time in the circle this fall,” Howser said. “She will continue to improve and spell Allison when we need it.”
Howser also expects a host of varsity newcomers to compete for playing time this fall, including Hailey Wilson, Sydney Pierce, Aven Martin, Claire Akins, Lily Howser, Madison Akers and Harper Helfrecht.
With plenty of talent and experience on the roster, Howser expects to see Kickapoo’s lineup develop through competition as the season begins.
“We have several spots on the field and in the line-up we will be looking to fill this fall,” Howser said. “This should create a healthy in-house competition for opportunities to play.”
To continue building on its healthy tradition, Howser believes his squad must develop and exhibit a consistent degree of toughness both on and off the field.
“We must be a mentally and physically tough group,” Howser said. “A diverse offense will be very important this fall, as well as players adapting to their roles on this year’s team.”
Kickapoo will open its season Aug. 25 against Nixa.
