By Draven Dabrowski
Sports Writer
After guiding the university’s softball team as interim head coach last season, Kate Bowen was promoted this past summer to head coach, officially taking charge of the Owls’ program.
Bowen said that softball has always been a passion for her, and she always knew she wanted to end up in a coaching position.
“Teaching and coaching go very well together. I always knew going through my undergrad experience, I would love to be a coach,” Bowen said.
Head Coach Kate Bowen. Photo courtesy SCSU athletics
Bowen’s path to this university is filled with years of experience as both a player and coach.
She was a four-year starter at NCAA Division I Manhattan College, twice being named Manhattan’s Female Student-Athlete of the Year.
Following her college career, Bowen played professionally for the Stratford Brakettes. She helped the team capture three consecutive Major Softball National Championships.
She then shifted into coaching, first as a graduate assistant at Springfield College before being named the program’s interim head coach in 2017.
Over eight seasons, she compiled a 180-88-1 record that highlighted her ability to build a competitive program.
In 2024, Bowen arrived with more than a decade of softball experience, taking over as interim head coach. When the university offered her a promotion this summer, Bowen knew she could not turn it down.
“I couldn’t be more excited to be here in this program,” Bowen said. “I was always drawn to the competitiveness of this program. It’s important to me to be here.”
Since stepping into the role, Bowen’s emphasis has been on building relationships with her players and creating a culture of accountability and resilience.
She wants her athletes to feel supported on the field as well as off the field, including in the classroom.
Bowen’s promotion gave the Owls a steadying presence and a leader they have already come to trust. Her emphasis on accountability and growth has stood out, giving athletes confidence that the program is moving in the right direction.
“I’m happy that she got the opportunity to be able to now do those things again and take this program to the next level,” pitcher Ashley Lewis, a senior, said.
The sense of growth has been especially clear to Bowen’s upperclassmen who have seen the team evolve under her leadership.
“She holds us accountable,” catcher Karley Austin, sophomore, said. “She pushes you to your very best to make you better.”
As Bowen looks ahead to the next season, she is focused on making sure the team takes it one game at a time. She intends to turn last year’s foundation into concrete results.
Bowen’s message to players, students and fans is clear: the program is moving forward, and the team is ready to contend with high expectations.
