Katherine Papa Stays Grounded in her Somers Upbringing

The last time we saw Katherine Papa, she was on the losing end of a heartbreaking Section One semifinal loss. Life going on, the next step at Rowan University put her in the crosshairs too, and like her love of softball, she let her instincts lead the way.

“There was a natural nervousness to leave home, but it was overpowered by my excitement to be there,” the New Jersey college student clarified.

Of course, Papa laid the groundwork with her choice. The Tusker was looking for a competitive softball program, and a school that would also allow her to focus on school work. “I felt Rowan provided the best balance,” Papa said.

September allowed her to ease in, though.  Going in she already had college credits, so the classes weren’t too bad and fall meant workouts and scrimmages.

Still, she quickly became attuned to the foundation. “Our coaches are very big on knowing your role and understanding what you can do to help the team win,” said the sophomore. “That’s what makes us a successful program.”

But the warm weather brought everything up a notch. So she managed life electronically. “I use google calendar and put everything in there,” the scholar said. “Any meetings, practice, class, I had it open on my phone all the time, and that helped me keep track.”

Anatomy II probably accrued the most alerts. “This is the most content heavy course I ever took,” she revealed.

No slacking off, putting in the work and maximizing the effort gave her piece of mind. “Everything is going to be ok,” Papa would tell herself.

On the field, things coalesced too. “We all live together. They are easily my best friends.” the team player assured. “We know we can count on each other for anything.”

So being number two on the catching depth chart didn’t take precedence. But an early season injury initially put Papa out there, and she responded with an RBI double in her first at bat. “That is going to stick out for me forever,” she said.

Starting at 1.000, Papa still could tell the difference between high school and college pitching.  Improved spin rate and velocity, she said, “The work you have to put in at the college level is completely different.”

Unfortunately, the bench came-a-calling when the starting catcher returned. Unfamiliar ground for four year varsity starter, it was not actually the case and past experience got her through the intermittent play. “When I was young, I did the same thing,” she remembered. “I was always taught - especially by my dad - nothing will be given to me. I’m going to have to work hard to earn it. That’s what I did to get where I was on varsity - even as a freshman.”

Her future softball goals piggyback the past too.  “I just want to work as hard as I can during the off season, so I can put myself in the best position to compete for a spot on the field,” the catcher asserted.

A lot to give up, Papa doesn’t feel she’s missing anything in terms of the big college party going on around her. “This is the best experience I’ve ever had,” she said. “I’ve never been happier.”

As for her professional goals, Papa aims to become an orthopedic surgeon. A long way off, her grounding for the journey ahead is right here in Somers, New York. “My parents, we’re very close and I can talk to them about anything,” she concluded. “They are my ultimate support system, and I know I will always have them in my corner.”

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