Two DePaul Alums

I graduated from DePaul in 1987, 34 years before Kate Polucha did. Thanks to the wonderful world of softball, I know Kate.

I met Kate while covering the Blue Demons softball team. The California native came to DePaul after a highly successful high school career. The change in climate didn't slow down Kate, as she started all 52 games and hit .362, leading the team in hits with 63. She went on to have a successful career at DePaul and was one of the most popular players. She was also gutsy, overcoming a torn ACL.

A couple years ago, I interviewed Kate about all of this. My interview with Kate is at On the Beat With Kate Polucha. Kate was very well-spoken, as she discussed her playing career and her future.

Now, she is back in California, but last season, I ran into Kate at a DePaul game. It was great seeing her. I hung out by her for several innings, just absorbing her thoughts on the game. I love watching sports with players. It gives a whole different perspective.

I thank Kate for a lot of great memories while covering the Blue Demons. I also wish her great luck always. I hope our paths cross again. She was a special player and is just as special off the field.

Kate Polucha and me in Chicago, IL-April 2023/

On the Beat With Kate Polucha of DePaul Softball

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of interviewing Kate Polucha, who recently finished a stellar career as a softball player for DePaul. Like her longtime friend and teammate Maranda Gutierrez, who I interviewed last week, Kate leaves DePaul with a long list of accomplishments and honors. Our interview is at On the Beat With Kate Polucha of DePaul Softball.

The California native came to DePaul after a highly successful high school career. In the interview, Kate talks about her decision to leave sunny California to play at DePaul. The change in climate didn't slow down Kate, as she earned BIG EAST Player of the Year honors her first season. She started all 52 games and hit .362, leading the team in hits with 63.

Kate discussed the challenges of following that successful first season. She was open about what the award meant to her and seeing some of her stats dip a little in her second season. Again starting all 52 games, she hit .295 with 31 runs and 38 RBI.

In her next three seasons, the extra one due to the Covid exemption, Kate continued to be among the team leaders in most offensive categories. She finished strong, hitting .333 in her final season, despite playing most of it with a torn ACL. In an incredibly gutsy manner and with a lot of work, Kate only missed 10 games despite the injury happening early in the season.

In our interview, Kate candidly discussed all of this, including the bittersweet feelings of her last game. Kate gave great insight into the emotions of a dedicated player throughout her career. We finished with a couple lighter questions about a defensive gem versus a home run and her pizza style preference.

I finished by thanking Kate for a lot of great play over her five seasons. She was a class act on and off the field. I sincerely appreciate what Kate meant to DePaul.

Coincidentally, yesterday was the 50th anniversary of Title IX. While it created opportunities for women in sports, we still have a way to go in terms of exposure and appreciation.

In doing these interviews, I hope to shine the spotlight on great players and people like Kate. I want others to learn about them. Just as important, I want Kate and other players to know what they do is appreciated. I have enjoyed countless games at Cacciatore Stadium and I applaud every athlete who stepped on the field.

I thank Kate for her time and consideration in this interview. I wish her well as she continues her education at DePaul and I look forward to seeing her in the stands at Cacciatore Stadium next season.

Go to DePaulBlueDemons.com for more info on DePaul sports. Check back here for my recurring coverage of DePaul and NCAA sports.

Kate Polucha, the DePaul Blue Demons and the Big East Tourney

Tomorrow DePaul softball faces UConn in the first game of the BIG EAST tournament. DePaul finished the year 28-22 (16-8 in the BIG EAST). UConn finished in first, four games ahead of the Blue Demons.

While UConn presents a big challenge, it is one DePaul has faced and beaten in previous years. I have witnessed DePaul winning the BIG EAST tourney in Rosemont a few seasons ago.

One player the Demons need to continue her hot hitting is outfielder Kate Polucha. A grad student, Polucha batted .347 in 40 games (starting 39). She also had eight homers, 34 RBIs and 28 runs scored.

I have watched Polucha for her entire DePaul career. She is an underrated player, despite outstanding stats. Maybe because she does everything well without flash, she gets over looked? Followers of the Blue Demons know how valuable she is.

Polucha is going to have to bring her hottest bat to the tourney. UConn is a tough foe, but they are beatable, especially if Polucha and her mates put up some early runs.

I will be "On the Beat" covering the action in Rosemont. Find my coverage here, Global Traveler, Patch and Global Women's Sports Radio.

Go to DePaulBlueDemons.com for more info on Kate and the team. Also, check BigEast.com for more info on the BIG EAST Tournament.

Kate Polucha and me in Chicago, IL-April 2022.