WRIGHT STUFF: Dewey softballer to launch college career at Cowley
It all worked out well — a Dewey High softball player made the right choice (for her) and Cowley County (Kan.) College made the Wright choice.
Earlier this spring, Katie Wright inked a letter of intent to play softball for Cowley.
For Dewey, it’s a rugged loss — Wright was on the roster for all of Dewey’s three-straight state tournament seasons (2019-21). She started during the state tourney seasons as a sophomore (2020) and junior (2021).
She provided valuable leadership during rebuilding campaign of 2022 (16-17).
During Wright’s three seasons as a starter, Dewey accumulated a 73-24 record. Wright also excelled as a thrower for the track team, qualifying multiple times for state.
Her college future revolves around softball.
“I started playing competitive softball when I was about 10 years old,” she said. “Playing college softball has been one of my long term goals.”
Serendipity paired her with Cowley.
“The head softball coach at Cowley County, Jenni Hoyt, gave me the opportunity to visit and meet some of the players,” Wright said. “Almost immediately after seeing the campus I knew it’d be a great fit.”
Wright — who began playing softball at age 10 — has focused for many years on suiting up for a college team.
She labelled her desire as “one of my biggest dreams.”
She credits her hard work with opening the opportunity to move up to the next level.
In addition, Wright has developed intangible skills, such as being vocal on the field and communicating with teammates.
“I feel that I am coachable and always willing to adjust to become a better player,” she said.
The internal engine that has energized Wright to her achievements has been fueled by her family.
“I couldn’t thank my parents enough for supporting me through this long journey,” she aid. “They have encouraged me to … push my abilities to becoming the best person I could be, but have inspired me to be accountable and stay true to myself.”
Dewey High head softball coach Niki Keck enjoyed Wright’s presence on the team.
“Katie has been a fun athlete to coach over the years …” Keck said. “She is coachable and determined to succeed.”
Here’s some highlights from her three Dewey seasons.
— 2020: Two doubles and a RBI in an 8-0 win vs. Lincoln Christian; a single and three RBIs in a win vs. Vinita, 11-3; two singles and scored twice in a postseason win vs. Beggs, 10-0.
— 2021: Three singles in a state quarterfinal win vs. Perry, 4-2; two singles and two RBIs in 6-0 postseason win vs. Holdenville; Recorded three RBIs in 13-6 victory vs. Kiefer; two hits, two runs and a RBI in 9-3 win vs. Sperry.
— 2022: In her final win as a Lady Dogger, Wright homers and drove in three runs in 10-1 decision against Oologah; nailed two hits and brought in two runs in 19-1 win vs. Holland Hall; doubled and plated two runs in win vs. Vian, 6-2; hit a double in her final game.
This article originally appeared on Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise: Dewey softballer Katie Wright to launch college career at Cowley
