By Steve Svetovich
Recent Holy Cross graduate Katie Wywoda was a shining light for the Lady Crusaders on the softball diamond.
And now she will be chasing her dreams in the fall at the University of Delaware where she will study business analytics/sports management in hopes of becoming a sports analyst.
As a captain of the Holy Cross Lady Crusaders softball team, Katie batted .395, with four doubles, a triple, a homer, 29 runs and 16 RBIs. She had a .487 on base percentage.
Daughter of Georgeann and Pete Wywoda, Katie played center field, but also pitched for Holy Cross.
Katie helped lead Holy Cross to the District 2 Class 2A softball title game, a 2-1 loss to Elk Lake at the University of Scranton.
It was the third consecutive year the Lady Crusaders lost the district title game by one run to Elk Lake.
The stalwart center fielder went 2-for-2 with a double, triple, and three runs scored in the Lady Crusaders 11-8 win over Lakeland in the district semifinal contest. Teammate Mia Galella went 3-for-3 with a double, homer, 5 RBIs and two runs. Winning pitcher Ava Schmidt, who came on in relief, had two hits, two runs and an RBI. Chloe Mendicino had two hits and Mia Scalese drove in two runs.
Holy Cross finished the season 14-9 as the district runner up under veteran coach Joe Ross.
Very well-spoken and articulate, Katie talked about the success of the team this past year. “We had great team morale,” she said. “This is the major thing with Coach Ross. It’s all about the team, not personal stats.”
A three-year starter on the Holy Cross softball team, Katie was the recipient of the LIAA (Lackawanna Interscholastic Athletic Association) Scholar-Athlete Award.
“I was very grateful and very surprised,” she said. “Our school has so many fantastic athletes. It’s an honor.”
The scholar-athlete finished her senior year with a highly impressive 4.0 academic average. Her favorite academic subject is math.
Katie also served as Student Council Vice President and was a member of the National Honor Society. She was a member of the Book Club, History Club and TRU Club. She was a member of the cross country team in her senior year.
The speedy center fielder said she learned so much from coach Ross. “If I had to put it into words,” she said, “well, I almost said goodbye to the game. But coach Ross taught me to put the love back into the game. He taught me to appreciate the game. I’m so happy I stuck with it.
“Coach Ross also taught me so much about myself and how to be a great leader. He taught me the game is a privilege and that every time we step on the field as a team, it is an opportunity to make memories with our teammates and have fun with the game we all love.
“As far as his impact goes, words can’t describe how much he changed my life. I am forever grateful that I had the opportunity to play for a coach like him.”
Polite and humble, Katie played in the 570 Sports all-star softball game Friday, June 30, at Connell Park, Scranton. Katie also honed her skills playing many summers of travel softball.
Her sister Carly was a standout softball player at Holy Cross and will enter her sophomore year at Mansfield University in the fall.
Katie said it takes strong communication skills to be a good center fielder.
She talked about what it takes to be a good hitter. “I always approach the pitcher with a clear head,” she said. “Don’t be intimidated no matter how good the pitcher is. Have confidence with every at bat.”
Katie said she enjoys listening to music in her spare time and has seen Harry Styles in concert. “He was great. I love him and want to see him again.”
The confident aspiring sports analyst said her parents taught her a lot. “They tell me to do what I set my mind to. They never give me less than complete encouragement.”
Katie also likes to keep her goals simple. “I want to be happy and successful. Happiness is always important in life.”
Intelligent and sincere, Katie described her feelings regarding her years at Holy Cross.
“Having the privilege to attend Holy Cross was one of the best experiences I could ever ask for. From the academics and athletics to the school community itself, Holy Cross gave me so many fantastic opportunities and experiences. I am so grateful to have been a part of a school like Holy Cross.
“Even though I have graduated, I have no doubt in my mind that any member of the faculty, staff, administration, or even the numerous coaching staffs would not hesitate to help me with anything at all. Holy Cross taught me so much and I am so very grateful that I spent four years there.”