For the first time in over 20 years, an Iowa high school softball program will be led by a new head coach in 2027.

Kara Krieger, a graduate and former standout at New London High School, has been hired to replace David Oleson at the controls of the West Burlington/Notre Dame High School softball team.

“I feel very blessed for the opportunity,” Krieger told The Hawk Eye. “I’ve coached junior high for six seasons now. I’m really ready for that next jump to be the head coach of softball and helping the girls out.

“I’m really excited for the opportunity. Definitely big shoes to fill. (Oleson) let a great legacy at West Burlington.”

Kara Krieger Tabbed To Replace Legendary Head Softball Coach

Oleson won over 450 games, taking West Burlington/Notre Dame to a pair of Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union State Softball Tournaments while winning 11 conference championships.

Krieger has led the junior high softball team for West Burlington/Notre Dame for the past six seasons.

“I wan tto make sure West Burlington is still one of the top teams in southeast Iowa,” Krieger said. “That’s my No. 1 goal. I’m preparing them for that.”

New West Burlington/Notre Dame Head Coach Played Five Years Of College Softball

Krieger hit .395 with eight extra-base hits, 17 runs scored and 14 RBI as a senior at New London in a shortened 15-game season. As a junior, she batted .387 with 29 runs scored, 28 RBI and 12 doubles.

She was a four-year starter for New London on the softball diamond.

From there, Krieger played collegiate softball at Iowa Wesleyan, Hannibal-LaGrange University and Stephens College. 

In her final season in 2025 for Stephens, Krieger hit .298 with 34 hits, 18 doubles, 13 RBI, a triple, a home run and six steals, earning third team all-AMC in addition to all-conference and all-district academic status.

West Burlington/Notre Dame Coming Off 14-Win Season In 2026

Last year, the Falcons finished 14-18 overall and went 5-7 in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference South division. A handful of seniors graduated from that team, but West Burlington/Notre Dame will return starters Paige Kramer, Whitney Snowden, Adley Mundth, Faith Gibb, Orayna Gonzalez, Ava Granquist and Makayla Dueringer.

From 2021-2024, West Burlington/Notre Dame won at least 23 games, including a 30-5 record during that stretch. 

The Iowa high school softball season takes place over the summer, meaning Krieger and the Falcons will hit the field in 2027. She is currently coaching the girls tennis team at the school.