Lowe to lead Pioneer softball

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – The University of Wisconsin-Platteville has tabbed a familiar Pioneer name to guide the softball team. Becca Lowe has been selected as the next head coach of the Pioneers as announced by interim athletic director, Mike Emendorfer. 

"I'm very excited for our softball program and having a former Pioneer take the reins as head coach," said Emendorfer. "Her knowledge and enthusiasm are what I'm looking forward to seeing lead the team. She has connections in the Tri-State area and that will be key for recruiting top notch athletes to UW-Platteville."

Lowe returns to her alma mater after serving as head varsity softball coach at Platteville High School in Platteville for the last four seasons. Under her direction, the Hillmen went 63-32 (.663), produced one Second Team All-State, nine First Team All-Conference, and two Honorable-Mention players.

"I am excited to be back at UW-Platteville, this time being on the coaching side of things," said Lowe. "I love calling Platteville home and I am very fortunate to have this opportunity to coach at my alma mater. I have to thank Mike Emendorfer and the Pioneer staff for this amazing opportunity."

In addition to her time as head coach at Platteville, Lowe served as assistant softball coach at UW-Platteville during the 2015 and 2016 seasons where she coached first base, catching, and outfield. She also coached with the Adrenaline Fastpitch Travel Softball team in Rockford, Illinois for two seasons where she focused on hitting mechanics and fielding techniques for first basemen and outfielders.

It's fair to say that UW-Platteville is a family affair for the Lowes.  Her three siblings all attended and competed at the collegiate level during their stints at UW-Platteville.  Older sister Carin competed on the cross country and track and field teams while Colleen competed on both the softball and women's basketball teams. Younger brother Dan competed on the men's basketball team and was a member of the Pioneers' 2017-18 Sweet Sixteen NCAA Team.

"Watching my father coach college softball and learning from him throughout the years excites me to bring what I know into the Pioneer program," said Lowe. "Being a slapper and power hitter in college, I look forward to instilling my knowledge on that part of the game."

Originally from Byron, Illinois, Lowe competed on the Pioneer squad during the 2013 and 2014 seasons after transferring from Kirkwood Community College. She was awarded All-Regional Player during the 2011-12 season at Kirkwood and her team advanced to finish seventh in the national tournament in 2011.  At UW-Platteville Lowe was named All-WIAC, Academic All-WIAC and was voted team captain at both UW-Platteville. Lowe was also a member of the 2014 Pioneer team which advanced to the WIAC post-season tournament, the last team to do so until the recent 2019 squad.

When asked about her new team, Lowe said, "I have followed along with the softball team and know this is a group of girls who have a strong work ethic and have the mentality to be great."

The Pioneer softball program finished 18-20 during the 2019 season. Lowe officially began her duties Monday and will soon begin work with the team during the allocated fall practice days as part of NCAA DIII regulations.