Lowe returns to alma mater to lead Pioneer softball

Platteville, Wis.- The University of Wisconsin-Platteville softball will have a familiar face in the dugout leading the Pioneers during the 2020 season, as Rebecca Lowe begins her first season as the head coach of her alma mater. Lowe was a member of the 2013 and 2014 Pioneer softball team, before becoming an assistant for the 2015 and 2016 season.  "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."

The Pioneers are coming off an 18-20 season that finished in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference tournament for the first time since Lowe's senior season in 2014.  Lowe will have plenty of experience in the line-up as eight position starters return.  Junior Shannon Gaul (Aurora, Illinois, Oswego East) and sophomore Rachel Plautz (Wausau, Wisconsin, D.C. Everest) have earned All-Conference honors in the past.  Gaul was First Team All-Conference in 2018, while Plautz was Honorable Mention as a freshman.

"Our returning All-WIAC are great leaders and role models for our underclassman," Lowe said.  I am excited to see them grow this year and help make a name for this Pioneer softball team."

Junior Ashton Hoeppner (Winona, Minnesota) will anchor the pitching staff.  The two-time All-WIAC performer shattered the school record for most strikeouts (150) in a season as a freshman.  Junior Abby Burns (Morris, Illinois) started 21 games as a sophomore and received Honorable Mention in 2019.

"Having both, Ashton and Abby back on the mound will be a huge strength for our team," Lowe said.  "Their experience, perseverance and drive are going to be the powerhouse of our season."

Even with the returning experience, Lowe is excited for the incoming players.  "I am excited to see freshman Claire Bakkensteun (Forest Lake, Minnesota) provide some power for us at the plate," Lowe said.  "As well as transfer Lexi Muerer (Ashton, Illinios), I am eager to see her positive attitude, knowledge of the game, and power at the plate help our team reach its full potential."

"I'm very excited for our softball program and having a former Pioneer take the reins as head coach," interim athletic director Mike Emendorfer said.  "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 was pleased with the program's fall season, "The fall went really well," Lowe said.  "We used the fall to learn new expectations, team roles and my staffs coaching styles.  The girls did an excellent job of buying into what we need to do to become great!  Having success at the University of Dubuque tournament gave the team motivation and drive heading into the off-season.  I am excited to see the great potential these players have, not only are they talented, but they are also fun to be around.  Their personalities shine just as bright as their talent."

The Pioneers open the 2020 season on Feb. 29 when they travel to Rochester, Minnesota for four games.  The Pioneers will enjoy the sun in Florida over spring break with 10 games in Clermont, Florida. 

Lowe and the Pioneers will debut at home on Tuesday, March 31 when they host Cornell College for a 3 p.m. doubleheader.  The Pioneers welcome defending WIAC softball champions and league favorite UW-Whitewater to Platteville on Thursday, April 9 for a 3 p.m. doubleheader.

On Monday, April 20, the Pioneer softball team will be hosting youth night and the annual Lace Up 4 Pediatric Cancer game when St. Ambrose comes to town for a non-conference doubleheader starting at 4 p.m.

The Pioneers close out the season with two conference doubleheaders.  The Pioneer program will welcome back its alumni when UW Oshkosh visits for a 1:00 p.m. doubleheader on Saturday, April 25.  UW-Eau Claire will close out the Pioneers regular season with a visit on Sunday, April 26 for senior day.

The Pioneers are picked to finish sixth in the WIAC by WIAC head coaches and sports information directors.  Follow along all season on letsgopioneers.com.  For full schedule click this link.