All-American Kayla Kowalik and coach Rachel Lawson embraced at her final home game last season but Kowalik is still at UK as a graduate assistant. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Not having Kayla Kowalik, an All-American catcher and UK’s all-time hits and runs scored leader, receiving her pitches this season has been a big adjustment for pitcher Stephanie Schoonover, who went 3-0 in UK’s first weekend of play to earn SEC Pitcher of the Week honors.
“This is my first year without her and it is a lot different,” said Schoonover. “We had a lot of things where we were in sync with each other. She understood me and I understood her.
“We have a lot of catchers that look great. I am getting comfortable with everybody and they are getting comfortable with me. I am really excited. I think it is going to be good but it is different without Kayla back there.”
The good news for Schoonover is that Kowalik is still around. She’s a graduate assistant for coach Rachel Lawson.
“During our (preseason) scrimmages she was our umpire and called balls and strikes. It was something. She was criticizing in a good way,” Schoonover said. “It’s nice to still have her there and have her presence. I mean Kayla Kowalik, she is everything to UK softball and it is great for her to still be here knowing if I need help, she’s there.”
Lawson said Kowalik was more than a great leadoff hitter and catcher.
“She was an outstanding leader. Never confuse leadership with producer. Kayla was a major producer along with a great leader,” Lawson said. “When your best players have the best work ethic and do things the right way on and off the field, you have a quality team.
“You never replace a generational player like Kayla but to me the leader of the offense is the girl in the (batter’s box) at that moment. But it is great to still have Kayla around.”
