It shouldn’t come as a surprise that when IUPUC went searching for someone to build its first-ever softball team, local standout player Tommi Stowers’ name was at the top of the list.
She grew up in Columbus, Indiana, and was a four-year varsity starter for Columbus North High School, where she made first team all-conference, earned all-area honors, and was recognized as her squad’s best offensive player. Plus, Coach Stowers is the first softball player to come out of Columbus North to sign with a Division 1 team.
She went on to play for Western Kentucky University where she was an NFCA All-America Scholar Athlete, and in her first multi-hit game (5-for-5) tied both the team’s and Conference USA’s single-game record. Tommi played her last two years at Monmouth University, where she led the team and the conference with 13 doubles, and led the team (fourth in conference) with a .634 slugging percentage.
After college, Stowers moved back to Columbus, Indiana, where she had one goal: “I want to give back to the community that’s given me so much.”
She worked as a Bartholomew County Parks & Recreation employee, an umpire for USSSA, and an assistant coach at Seymour High School. When the opportunity to become IUPUC’s Head Softball Coach presented itself, she was thrilled and honored.
“It’s such a privilege to be part of building a team from the ground up. The fact that it’s my hometown makes it so much sweeter,” she said.
Coach Stowers says she’s enjoyed shaping the inaugural team’s culture. She also applauds her dedicated, hard-working roster of players who work well to maximize each other’s strengths.
“My girls come from rival high schools all across Indiana, but they’ve come together to form this new team and have really learned to mesh well together,” Stowers added. “We don’t have one star player, we have 13.”
The home opener for IUPUC’s first-ever softball team will be Friday, February 24, on its field at Ceraland Park. The Crimson Pride will host Calumet College of St. Joseph in a double-header beginning at noon.
For the full softball schedule and team roster, and to get live stats during the games, visit iupucathletics.com.