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Photo by: Brad Rempel
Gopher Spotlight: Katie Kemmetmueller
2/3/2021 10:53:00 AM | Softball
Katelyn Kemmetmueller returns for another season in 2021 after COVID-19 cut, what would have been her senior year, short. Last spring, Kemmetmueller also
became the first Gopher softball player to ever go through the nursing program at the University of Minnesota. Now ready to begin another year, take a look as she discusses what it was like to have the 2020 season cut short, her decision to return and what she's most looking forward to in her super senior season.
Gophersports: The team learned that the 2020 season was canceled in Hawaii. Did it sink in at that moment for you or when did it hit you that your collegiate career may be over?
Katelyn Kemmetmueller: Being in Hawaii, it all felt so distant from us as we packed our bags and headed home. It was heartbreaking, but I was lucky enough to have my parents with me that week for support. It was hard for reality to sink in while we were in such a beautiful place so I think it didn't truly set in until we got back to Minnesota and everyone on the team started driving and flying back home.
GS: When did you realize that you wanted to come back for one more season? Was there a certain moment or did it gradually happen?
KK: I definitely had to think about it for a little bit of time. I knew deep down that my heart wasn't ready to give up softball, but I also had plans to start my nursing career. Ultimately I realized I had the rest of my life to work but my time as an athlete was running out.
GS: Take us through the process of how you decided to return for another season.
KK: I had many conversations with family members and friends and everything kept circling back to how grateful I was for my 4 years at the University of Minnesota and the people I met. I soon realized I wasn't ready to hang up my cleats just yet and I couldn't be happier to be back.
GS: You're already a registered nurse. What are you studying now and what would you like to do with it once you graduate?
KK: I am actually getting a certificate in Human Resource Development and plan on going into the management side of nursing later in my career.
GS: You've got a couple new coaches this year and Piper Ritter as your head coach. What has it been like getting to know all of them throughout this fall and training time?
KK: Coach (Carly) Wynn and Coach Rich (Katie Richardson) have been great. It was fun getting to know them and learn their style this past semester. They definitely bring a new perspective and tons of wisdom and passion to this program. Having Coach Ritter step into a new role this year has been just about as smooth of a transition as we could have asked for. She has been a part of Gopher Softball for a while and knows the ins and outs of our program better than anyone else.
GS: What are you most looking forward to this year?
KK: I am most looking forward to getting back on the field with my teammates. This year has given me a second chance to not only compete again but to also enjoy my time as an athlete, and enjoy my time as a Gopher.
became the first Gopher softball player to ever go through the nursing program at the University of Minnesota. Now ready to begin another year, take a look as she discusses what it was like to have the 2020 season cut short, her decision to return and what she's most looking forward to in her super senior season.
Gophersports: The team learned that the 2020 season was canceled in Hawaii. Did it sink in at that moment for you or when did it hit you that your collegiate career may be over?
Katelyn Kemmetmueller: Being in Hawaii, it all felt so distant from us as we packed our bags and headed home. It was heartbreaking, but I was lucky enough to have my parents with me that week for support. It was hard for reality to sink in while we were in such a beautiful place so I think it didn't truly set in until we got back to Minnesota and everyone on the team started driving and flying back home.
GS: When did you realize that you wanted to come back for one more season? Was there a certain moment or did it gradually happen?
KK: I definitely had to think about it for a little bit of time. I knew deep down that my heart wasn't ready to give up softball, but I also had plans to start my nursing career. Ultimately I realized I had the rest of my life to work but my time as an athlete was running out.
GS: Take us through the process of how you decided to return for another season.
KK: I had many conversations with family members and friends and everything kept circling back to how grateful I was for my 4 years at the University of Minnesota and the people I met. I soon realized I wasn't ready to hang up my cleats just yet and I couldn't be happier to be back.
GS: You're already a registered nurse. What are you studying now and what would you like to do with it once you graduate?
KK: I am actually getting a certificate in Human Resource Development and plan on going into the management side of nursing later in my career.
GS: You've got a couple new coaches this year and Piper Ritter as your head coach. What has it been like getting to know all of them throughout this fall and training time?
KK: Coach (Carly) Wynn and Coach Rich (Katie Richardson) have been great. It was fun getting to know them and learn their style this past semester. They definitely bring a new perspective and tons of wisdom and passion to this program. Having Coach Ritter step into a new role this year has been just about as smooth of a transition as we could have asked for. She has been a part of Gopher Softball for a while and knows the ins and outs of our program better than anyone else.
GS: What are you most looking forward to this year?
KK: I am most looking forward to getting back on the field with my teammates. This year has given me a second chance to not only compete again but to also enjoy my time as an athlete, and enjoy my time as a Gopher.
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