By Dana Harding (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
Kickapoo softball enjoyed another successful season in 2023.
The Chiefs posted a 26-8 record, falling to Ozark in the district tournament. The result marks the sixth time in past seven seasons Kickapoo has finished with at least 21 wins on the books.
Heading into the fall campaign, longtime head coach Jason Howser is optimistic for his program’s successful run to continue.
A primary reason?
Kickapoo returns a whopping eight starters from last season’s lineup.
“We had several new faces in the fall of 2023,” Howser said. “The experience should help our team in 2024. Experience should be a strength for us this fall.”
A quartet of seniors return to lead the charge in pitcher Allison Scott, shortstop Taryn Hagardt, outfielder Hailey Wilson and third baseman Mikayla Pilley.
Kickapoo’s returning juniors include outfielder Clarie Akins, catcher Sarah Waggoner, catcher Ellie Shevey, pitcher Callie Kilgo and middle infielder Katie Vaughan.
Sophomore outfielder Maddie Akers rounds out the Chiefs’ returning corps.
Newcomers set to compete for varsity playing time include senior outfielder Ray Hall, senior first baseman Sidney Pierce, junior utility Aven Martin and sophomore outfielder Harper Helfrecht.
The bulk of Kickapoo’s lineup isn’t the only component returning, either. Consistency and success breed high expectations, and the Chiefs are no exception to that rule.
“Our expectations are the same each season,” Howser said. “We want to compete as a team on each pitch of each game. If we commit to getting better throughout the season we will be playing our best softball by the end of the season.”
In the circle, the Chiefs will look to a talented and experienced duo to anchor the defense in Scott and Kilgo.
“We believe we have two quality options in the circle this fall,” Howser said. “Allison Scott has been our starter the past three seasons. She is an outstanding pitcher and has done a great job. Callie Kilgo will also get innings in the circle for us this fall. Our defense should be our strong suit as it will complement our strong pitching.”
At the plate, Howser expects to utilize both power and speed to Kickapoo’s advantage this season with a diverse offensive attack.
“We should have quality throughout the lineup,” Howser said. “We must cut down
on our strikeouts and be effective at competing with two strikes.”
For the Chiefs to record yet another 20-win season and forge a deep run into the postseason, Howser believes the team cannot afford to simply rest on past laurels in lieu of continued development.
“We must continue to work and grow,” Howser said. “These girls have always been hard workers. Now they need to trust their work and have the confidence with their preparation. Not letting a rough patch destroy the confidence they have earned.”
Following an Aug. 23 jamboree at Rogersville, Kickapoo opens its season Aug. 30 at home against Perry, Okla.
