Get to Know Judson University Softball Commit, Kate Hrinda

Photo courtesy of Kristy Wilson Photography.

Name: Kate Hrinda

Hometown: McKeesport, Pennsylvania

Sport: Softball for the McKeesport Area High School Lady Tigers

Commitment: Softball at Judson College. Judson is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and competes in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference (CCAC). The institution is located in Elgin, Illinois and is home to just under 1,000 students.

Why She Chose the Judson Eagles Softball Program: Judson felt welcoming and she loved the coaches and the girls she met while on her visit. She also received a full scholarship to be a pitcher for the program. “I’m so beyond excited to branch out and be in a totally new environment, it’s always been a dream of mine to play in college and to be out of state.”

Intended Major and Future Plans: Complete a degree in exercise and sports science to eventually become an athletic coach or trainer.

Travel Softball Experience: Steel City Patriots. “Getting to travel to different states and perform on the field is a feeling like no other. To me, nothing beats the feeling of celebrating a win with girls who have grown to feel like family.”

Who Helped Her in Softball Most: Her dad Ed Hrinda, Coach Jeff Miller, Coach Jamie Vaughn, Coach Shane Countryman, and Coach Troy Thomas. Bella Countryman and Maddie Miller also inspired her to start pitching.

Advice for Younger Athletes: “Pushing yourself past your limit and putting the time in while nobody is watching makes the difference.”