Fort Lewis College Athletics

Cupples named assistant coach for Skyhawks softball

10/9/2025 12:15:00 PM

By: Hayden Mangan, Assistant AD-Communications & Fan Engagement

DURANGO, Colo – Fort Lewis College Head Softball Coach Paige Rhodes is excited to announce the addition of Karina Cupples as the program's new assistant softball coach heading into its 2026 season.

Cupples comes to Durango following three months as an assistant coach at Northwestern Oklahoma State University after a four-year collegiate career at Briar Cliff University from 2022-25.

"I am thrilled to have Karina join the staff," Rhodes shared. "She brings great experience, energy, and a love for the game that will elevate our program. From the moment we initially spoke, it was clear we shared the same vision and values, and our student-athletes are going to benefit tremendously from her leadership and passion."

A 2025 graduate of Briar Cliff, Cupples earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a focus on social work. Throughout her four seasons with the Chargers, Cupples appeared in 149 games, registered 144 career starts, held a .332 career batting average, and a .922 fielding percentage. In 2023, Cupples helped the Chargers set a new program record for single-season wins with 33 after matching the program record in the regular-season finale and earning a win in the opening round of the Great Plains Athletic Conference Tournament. Additionally, Cupples totaled 163 hits, nine extra-base hits, 35 runs batted in, and 51 stolen bases.

Cupples also has experience in coaching and working within the community, volunteering with youth development programs through the Epic Fastpitch Organization, the Boys and Girls Club of Siouxland, and in various roles associated with the Briar Cliff University Social Work program, as well as other community-oriented institutions in Sioux City, Iowa.

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