Play Ball!

Father and Son Coaching Duo Rick and Zach Fowler Lead LE Baseball to New Heights
By Katie Stone

Whether playing or coaching, Zach Fowler and his dad, Rick, have been a powerful  pair for Liberty Eylau baseball. (Photo by kate silva, k8 photography)

For Zach Fowler, teacher and coach at Liberty Eylau, sports are much more than playing games. Sports are the springboard for life lessons of camaraderie, teamwork, and strategy. Being an excellent baseball player and having strong role models, Zach has taken a game that he grew up loving and made it into a successful career.

Zach always played sports as a kid; growing up as a coach’s son, being involved in whatever sport was in-season was the norm in the Fowler household. Being on a field was what inspired him; even as a kid, Zach knew his future would involve coaching.

“I wanted to be a player first, but I always knew that, when the day came that I was not going to be able to play anymore, I would stay involved in the game through coaching,” he said. 

Zach, a left-handed pitcher, played college baseball for the Texas Tech Red Raiders, until he was drafted in 2011 by the Baltimore Orioles in the 34th round. He played baseball professionally until 2014, before following in his father’s footsteps as a coach for his alma mater, starting at LE Middle School.

Rick Fowler, Zach’s dad, is also a well-respected and highly accomplished LE baseball coach. The two Coach Fowlers have experienced some incredible successes in high school baseball, separately and together.

In 2006, with Rick as head coach and Zach as pitcher, the Leopards won their first-ever state championship. That same year, Rick was awarded the 3A Coach of the Year Award, and Zach was named MVP. Zach is grateful for his father’s influence on him as a person, player, and coach.

“He was my high school coach, and I grew up watching his teams. I would say he is the biggest influence of anyone in my life on my coaching style and being in the education field,” Zach said. 

Fast forward to 2023, and Zach Fowler has become the head baseball coach for Liberty Eylau. This past year, the Leopards have experienced their winningest season ever, with 33 wins. The 2023 team also went to the final state tournament, this time with Zach as the team’s head coach and Rick as an assistant coach. While the Leopards did not win the state championship this year, Zach said that his players, their families, and the entire community did a great job until the end.

“The head coach gets a lot of the credit when you win, but it truly has been a full community effort to get this program where it is now,” he said.

A huge proponent of building and fostering community, Zach walks the walk. He hosts monthly cookouts for his teams and leads them in community activities. 

“Trust is one of the most important factors in team sports, and I believe that you have to find ways outside of practice and training to build that loyalty and trust with each other,” he said. 

The Fowler family has been a huge support system for Zach throughout the years—especially his wife, April, and their two children, Brooks and Blaire. “They are always there for me and give me the support that it seems like I need at the right time. I would not be able to enjoy this job without them,” he said. (submitted photo)

Over the summer, Zach was honored with the 2023 High School Regional Coach of the Year award by the American Baseball Coaches Association. This award is representative of Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Mississippi.

“I am very honored to receive this,” he said. “I feel gracious towards the players and other coaching staff.”

Looking ahead to next season, Zach is optimistic. “I believe we have a chance to have another successful baseball season, as long as we stay focused and put in the work to improve in the places we were weak this season,” he said.

Zach is not only the LE baseball coach; he also coaches football and teaches world history.

“I want to be able to impact as many students’ lives as possible, not just athletes,” he said. “Anyone that comes into contact with me during their time at LEISD, I want to be a positive impact for them. You never know the full potential of someone, and they usually don’t know it either until someone tells them how special they can be.”