Based on her outstanding high school sports career, it’d be easy to see why Dove Creek Class of 2023 graduate Rylee Hickman would have plenty of options for collegiate sports.
At the end, however, there was only one real option.
“Softball’s my love,” said Hickman, reflecting on her decision to sign to play softball at Colorado Northwestern Community College in Rangely this year.
Hickman showcased her versatility across four sports while competing for Dove Creek and Montezuma-Cortez high schools, earning all-state honors on the diamond for M-CHS, as well as on the hardwood for the Bulldogs basketball team. She also competed in state championships in volleyball and track and field during her decorated four years at Dove Creek.
Now, Hickman turns her focus on to just one sport – looking to continue the success she enjoyed while starring at shortstop for head coach Anthony “Hippo” Frost and the Panthers.
During her senior year, Hickman led the Panthers in almost every major statistical category, including hits, runs, RBIs and extra-base hits, all while clubbing the ball at a .580 clip. Her glove was just as steady, as she owned the best fielding percentage on the team.
Her leadership, recognized by her coaches, provided a steadying influence over a very young, but talented Panther softball squad. M-CHS capped off a stretch of four years with a record of 60-28, with Hickman playing an integral role in the program from her first days on the diamond.
Hickman can shift her focus to playing for the CNCC Spartans, who play in the Scenic West Athletic Conference – a league with junior college programs in Utah, Idaho and Nevada. Her path to CNCC follows in the footsteps of a pair of Hickman’s former teammates at Montezuma-Cortez, Taiah Wilson (Class of 2022) and Presley Frost (Class of 2021). Wilson led the Spartans in offense and pitching during her freshman season this spring, and according to Hickman, she played a prominent role in drawing Rylee to join the program.
“It worked out really well,” said Hickman of CNCC’s fit – the school’s academic offering in dental hygiene being a major selling point, “I started talking with the coach and some of the players about the future of the program, and where I could be a part of it.”
While countless coaches and teachers helped Hickman along her way, she points to guidance from coaches Kelly Helper and Lacey Murphy for helping encourage her to chase after her collegiate athletic dreams. “They pushed me to go after what I really wanted, even when I wasn’t quite sure about my next steps,” said Hickman.
When Hickman heads north this fall to begin her collegiate pursuits, she’ll take plenty of Dove Creek with her.
The community supported Hickman and her various athletic endeavors over four years, and she gave them plenty to cheer about. “I just love that town,” said Hickman. “The whole community has a soft heart for their kids, and they’ll do anything for them – it’s inspirational – and it’s given me a chance to go chase my dreams.”
