by Mia Laube
In Iowa, sports are about community just as much as they are about competition. Susan Kies, 2019 IGHSAU Softball Hall of Fame inductee, has embodied that mentality since she began her career at Newell-Fonda High School in 2006.
“Once we reached eighth grade, we were given the option of going to high school softball or staying in the major league, and I chose to go to high school softball where I started varsity my eighth grade year,” Kies said.
Kies’ success story with the Mustangs began right away as that young softball player fresh out of junior high. With Kies at shortstop, her team placed second at the state tournament in 2006, 2009 and 2010. They won it all in 2008, and Kies made first team all-state as a catcher.
She then moved on to play one year of softball at Buena Vista University. She spent her last three years focusing on basketball.
Kies gives much of the credit to the support system she grew up with.
“The biggest role models I had in my life were my family. They were always my biggest fans and the most supportive people whether I had lost or won a game,” Kies said.
There wasn’t much losing happening in Newell-Fonda from 2006 to 2010.
Kies was a key factor in her team’s winning seasons and state tournament success. In 2009 and 2010 she was given the honor of Class 1A player of the year. In 2009, she struck out only twice in 160 plate appearances, and in 2010, she struck out only three times in 136 plate appearances.
It’s clear that Kies is deserving of her induction into the Hall of Fame, but in her humble fashion, she shares the honor with the Newell-Fonda program.
“I think it is important to note that there is no way I would be in the position to obtain the Hall of Fame without giving great credit to my team that was with my all my high school years and a great coach that was able to lead us to great success,” Kies said.
These days, she gives back to the overall Iowa community by dedicating her life to serving others.
“Right now, I am currently a Detective with the Waukee Police Department, and I have been there for about five years,” Kies said. “My immediate future plans are to continue to serve my community with being an officer.”
Although she has switched titles from student-athlete to detective, Kies will continue to be a figure in the Iowa community for years to come.