MEEKER | After serving as assistant coach last season, Megan Shelton-Kuper is stepping into the role of head coach for the Meeker High School softball team, bringing both familiarity with the players and a deep connection to the program she once played for herself.
“When our previous coach resigned, I felt inspired to take on the challenge,” Shelton-Kuper said. “I’d built strong relationships with the girls and knew I could support them in continuing to grow this season.”
That growth will be essential as the team faces a transition year. Several seniors graduated last spring, leaving opportunities for new players — including some stepping onto the softball field for the first time. Fortunately, the program also returns experienced athletes ready to lead.
This year’s senior class includes Addie Knowles, Emma Bauer, Autumn Stallings, and Jewell McPherson.
Addie Knowles, one of the seniors, said this year will be a growth year for the team. “This year will be a growing year with a lot of young and new players. But it should be a good year,” she said. “I’m hoping to improve my ERA and increase my strikeouts with pitching and strengthen my batting average.”
Another one of those returning players is junior Kayla Castillo, who spoke about her offseason work, goals and excitement for the season.
“During the offseason I focused a lot on my hitting and overall maintaining a consistent swing,” Castillo said. “I would like to make it to regionals with my team this year and make sure everyone on the team feels comfortable and confident in each other’s ability to work hard in order to get there. I’m most excited to get back on the field and really just have a good time with my teammates, opponents and supporters.”
Shelton-Kuper said her returning players bring valuable leadership to the program.
“These returning players have been part of the program for a few years and are already helping mentor the newer girls,” she said. “My focus is on building our team dynamic and making steady progress each week.”
The schedule won’t allow for much easing in. The Cowboys open their season on the road Aug. 19 against Rifle, a team that defeated them 24–3 last year, before heading to the Eaton Tournament Aug. 22–23. Eaton, one of the state’s perennial powers, ended Meeker’s season in the regional tournament last fall.
“Those games will be a challenge, but they’re also an opportunity,” Shelton-Kuper said. “We want to use those early matchups to build momentum for the rest of the league season.”
This will be Shelton-Kuper’s second head coaching role at Meeker High School — she also led the girls basketball team last winter — and she said she is determined to set the tone for the future of the program.
“My long-term vision is to establish a proud and supportive foundation for Meeker softball,” she said. “I want the girls to focus on their personal and team growth, and most importantly, to enjoy the game.”
For Shelton-Kuper, who grew up playing softball in Meeker, the role holds personal significance.
“It’s an honor to now lead the program,” she said. “I’m excited for the season ahead and can’t wait to see the progress our girls make.”
Shelton-Kuper’s first season at the helm marks both a new chapter for the program and a homecoming for a coach deeply rooted in Meeker softball. With a mix of experienced leaders and eager newcomers, the Cowboys will look to grow stronger each week, build momentum through early challenges, and set the foundation for future success. Good luck to the team this upcoming season — and as always, go Cowboys.
