C-R star Howe signs commitment letter to Gordon College

On Thursday, Cuba-Rushford senior Kate Howe, middle, officially signed her commitment letter play collegiate volleyball at Gordon College. She sits alongside her parents Tracey and Jeff. They are joined by, from left to right, assistant principal Chris Fee, assistant volleyball head coach Sally Kus, former Cuba-Rushford volleyball coach and current Houghton College women’s coach Josh Tompkins, and athletic director Chris Cappelletti. [PHOTO PROVIDED]

CUBA – Thursday may be just an ordinary day for students inside the hallways, and classrooms of Cuba-Rushford Central School. But for senior star Kate Howe, Thursday was Decision Day.

With the white and blue Rebels backdrop hovering behind her, and the blue and crimson draped table in front, Howe sat down next to her parents Tracey and Jeff to sign the dotted line to her next chapter of life after high school, as the three-year Lady Rebels captain officially made her collegiate commitment to Gordon College in Massachusetts to play Division III women's volleyball.

Athletic Director Chris Cappelletti says, that in nearly a quarter of a century he has been at Cuba-Rushford, her dedication and drive has been unlike any other.

“In my 24 years here at Cuba-Rushford, Kate Howe may be the most dedicated athlete I have ever seen,” he said. “Her drive, her determination, and her ability to never give up is remarkable. To see Kate practicing extra in the gym after practices ended was a common occurrence. She understands that champions are made when they are no crowds cheering. I hope Gordon College understands they are getting one remarkable person.”

Now into her final season playing girls basketball, Howe just recently finished her historic girls volleyball career for the Lady Rebels, being a part of back-to-back championship winning teams in 2017 and 2018, where in both seasons, she was named to fourth and second team All-State for her efforts, as well as a Class D1 Championship All-Star nod in her sophomore season.

Last year, in what has her best season, she cracked 1,000 for the second time in her remarkable career, this time for assists, which guided her way to becoming MVP in Allegany County, and in Section V, Class D1 tournament play, in what was Josh Tompkins' final season as head coach of the Lady Rebels.

Tompkins, now the head coach of the women's volleyball program at Houghton College, said Howe is one of the most genuine individuals he has ever had the chance to meet, and coach.

“Kate is a fantastic athlete, and person in all aspects,” he said. “She is typically the hardest working, fiercest competitor, and she is a consummate teammate when on the floor. She is one of the most genuine individuals I have ever met, and she cares for others more than any other teenager I know. Gordon College doesn't know truly what they are getting in Kate. She is a person that brings love, life, passion, talent, and commitment to everything she does.”

In her last season on the volleyball court, Howe led the Lady Rebels to another Class D1 Finals appearance, where she picked up an all-star nomination, as well as an All-Star nominee inside the county in a campaign that saw Cuba-Rushford finish the season with a record of 14-3.

If a discussion regarding the school's pantheon of athletic giants ever arises, Howe's name will most certainly be a part of it. At the end of it all, Tompkins says he wishes he had more time to be her coach.

“What she has done in her high school career is astounding,” Tompkins said. “Over 1,000 assists in volleyball, 1,000 points in basketball, Sectional MVP, All-State team nominee three years in a row. I wish her all the very best. I just wish I had four more years to coach her.”