With a little over a month until the 2025 fall sports season begins, Hickman has named two new head coaches in boys soccer and softball.
Hickman Athletics announced a pair of head coaching hires on Wednesday, July 16.
The Kewpies named Heather Fowler as their new head softball coach for the 2025 season. Fowler is no stranger to the Mid-Missouri softball scene. She started coaching in 1996 and has spent time at South Callaway High School and Westminster College. She also spent years running the Legacy Fastpitch program, which helps with player development.
Fowler is also a certified Missouri State High School softball official, a certified strength and conditioning coach, as well as being a United States Air Force Veteran.
“Thank you to Hickman High School for trusting me with this opportunity. I cannot wait to get started with such a talented group of athletes and help build on the proud tradition of Kewpie softball,” Fowler said in a statement via Hickman Athletics on X. “My goal is simple but powerful: To lead a program that not only sharpens skills on the field but also shapes confident, compassionate, and competitive young women who are ready to lead in the life long after the last inning.”
Fowler replaces Whitni Howell, who returned to Jefferson City, her alma mater, in late June. Hickman finished 10-14 in 2024, its most wins since 2021.
“I am thrilled to bring my passion, experience, and energy to this incredible program,” Fowler said. “Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. I’m excited and ready to get to work. Lets Go Kewpies!
Hickman will open the 2025 season at the Peoples Bank Trust Classic in Troy, Mo. on Aug. 29.
Kewpies soccer sees the hiring of a new head coach
Hickman named Dennis Karkrah as its new boys head soccer coach. Karkrah uniquely has experience coaching in both soccer and wrestling.
“I grew up playing soccer my entire youth, developing a deep love for the game and appreciation for its strategy and teamwork. While my playing days shaped who I am, my coaching path took a different direction,” Karkrah said in a statement via Hickman Athletics on X. “I’ve spent over 20 years coaching wrestling, dedicating myself to building athletes' discipline, toughness, and character on the mat. Although my experience coaching soccer isn’t as extensive as my wrestling background, I’m excited to bring the same passion, work ethic, and commitment to the soccer field that I’ve carried throughout my years in wrestling. I’m excited to be coaching both soccer and wrestling at Hickman.”
The Kewpies finished last year with a 16-8-1 record. Hickman will begin the 2025 season on Aug. 29 at Nixa.
This article originally appeared on Columbia Daily Tribune: Hickman names two new head coaches ahead of the 2025 fall season
Category: General Sports
