Adams Central right-handed pitcher Kowen Rader is no stranger to performing on big stages, playing in the Little League World Series in 2021.
A team from Hastings featuring Rader represented Nebraska in the Series, winning the Midwest Region to advance to the Hank Aaron Championship Bracket, beating a team from New Jersey before falling in the second round to Hawaii, the eventual runner-up.
“That was definitely an experience I’ll never forget,” Rader told Hail Varsity “Going around meeting a bunch of guys from Hawaii, South Dakota, North Dakota, even in the regionals I didn’t know basically anyone. I knew a couple kids on the South Dakota team just because playing travel ball, I kind of met a couple of them traveling everywhere, but it was awesome. Just getting the experience, to go out there and play, and travel across the U.S. and meeting knew guys and playing different teams from different states, that was just awesome.”
Now, the junior will be playing for his home state come 2027. He announced his commitment to Nebraska on Sept. 23, becoming the first baseball player in Adams Central history to earn the opportunity to play for a Division I program. He’s the first in his class to verbally commit to the Huskers, choosing the Huskers over offers from Creighton, Illinois, Missouri, South Carolina and Virginia.
“I think a part of my commitment was of just being around a good community, and a group of guys, and having it feel like a family,” Rader said. “Coach (Rob) Childress, who’s the pitching coach there, has an awesome staff. He kind of just felt almost like a dad to me. He’s awesome. He helps the guys a lot. Just his track record of putting guys where they want to be in the majors is awesome, and stats don’t lie.
“So being around a good group of guys, and being from Nebraska alone, being born and raised as a true Nebraskan, being around Husker athletics, I think that kind of spoke to me a little bit too. Just not having family be so far away, so more family and friends can come and watch me play was a big part of that too.”
Rader said that his time in the world series brings a lot of value.
“I definitely think it will help me and benefit me, just because I was a part of that giant step for Nebraska, and especially Hastings,” Rader said. “So I’m actually really looking forward to playing for the Huskers and playing on national television again.”
Rader went 5-3 on the mound as a sophomore, striking out 57 with a 2.29 ERA. He pitched 39.2 innings with two shutouts, helping lead the Patriots to the Class C state semifinals.
The 6-foot-4, 175-pound hurler is ranked the No. 2 player in the state for the 2027 class according to Prep Baseball Nebraska.
Rader said he’s learned from current St. Paul Saints pitching coach Jonas Lovin. Lovin played at Augustana and was an assistant coach at Concordia before joining the Minnesota Twins organization in 2023.
“I kind of like to model my game after his, just because he’s taught me a lot of mechanical things, and I think most of that is just from what he’s done in the past,” Rader said. “So, honestly I’d say my game is really like his.”
The pitcher said he plays the game for a few different reasons.
“I play for my dad,” Rader said. “He’s been there for me ever since day one. He’s helped me become the man I’ve become. I honestly wouldn’t be where I am today, if it weren’t for my dad. And then obviously I play for our lord and savior, Jesus Christ. He’s given me the abilities to play baseball and given me abilities to go around and just play with a bunch of guys. That’s kind of who I play for. I definitely would not be at all here today, if it weren’t for Him.”
Although he won’t wear the Nebraska N for a few more years, Rader has his mind set on what he’s looking to achieve when he gets to Lincoln.
“My goal is to see the field as a freshman, work my way up to be a Friday night starter, obviously,” Rader said. “I think my goal is to just get as many innings as I can my freshman year, put up good numbers, show the coaches and my teammates and the state of Nebraska what I can do.”
For now, Rader will continue to play for the Patriots but said he’s excited to join the team in a couple years.
“I’m just looking forward to just going out there and spending time with my buddies and just playing the game I love in the state I grew up in and having a bunch of family coming out and support me,” Rader said.
