Two classmates from Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines are competing in the 2026 College World Series. UNC’s Cooper Nicholson and Texas softball star Teagan Kavan, who both attended Sacred Heart School in West Des Moines, are making their mark in the tournament.
Local Athletes Shine
Nicholson, an infielder for North Carolina, and Kavan, a dominant pitcher for Texas, have known each other since childhood. They both graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 2023. Nicholson played at Iowa Central Community College for two years before receiving a scholarship to North Carolina, while Kavan won her second straight Women’s College World Series with Texas.
"Growing up, Cooper was always one of the most athletic kids in our class," Kavan said. "He showed everybody up in PE and was always super competitive. I’m not surprised that he’s doing the things that he’s doing and is now playing at the World Series, which I’m sure is a dream for him, too."
UNC is currently 2-0 in the College World Series and has two chances to beat West Virginia and advance to the Championship Round. Nicholson’s team is one step closer to winning the national championship, a feat Kavan has already achieved.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
