Dec. 4, 2007
Goaztecs.com is catching up with former Aztecs to see where life has taken them after graduation. Kathy Worley, a four-year letterwinner for the softball tean and a one-year participant in club field hockey, shares her experiences as a collegiate athlete and the successes she has achieved in life.
Kathy was one of SDSU's leading hitters from 1979-1982. She was a major asset to the team because of her versatility. Kathy excelled at a variety of positions on the diamond, including at first, second and third base, as well as at pitcher. She was not only a star softball player, but also an outstanding student, making the Dean's List for three years and graduating with distinction in industrial arts. She later received her master's degree from SDSU in liberal arts as well as an educational specialist degree from Point Loma Nazarene University. She is now a teacher, softball coach and athletic director at Mount Miguel High School.
What did it mean for you to be a part of the San Diego State athletic community?
I felt comfortable having a group of friends who were doing the same thing. Although we didn't have the same major, we supported each other to make good grades and get through college successfully while having fun.
How do you feel that being an SDSU athlete contributed to your success in life?
I have better self-discipline because I was an athlete. I also learned how important teamwork is and how to overcome adversity.
What is your favorite part about being a teacher?
I love to see the mental, emotional and intellectual growth of my students. I have been coaching at the same high school for the past 21 years and I love it.
What in your life makes you the most proud?
I take most pride in walking the talk and being a good role model to my students.
How do you feel about being an SDSU alumni?
I am a lifetime member of the alumni association, so of course I am proud of my school.
What is your best memory from SDSU athletics?
We took UCLA to 23 innings before we lost. It was tough and then we had to play another game to finish the doubleheader with them. We fought hard and it was a great experience that I will never forget.
What advice do you have for girls and women in sports today?
Don't join or participate with the expectation to always win. Yes, winning is more fun, but learning to lose and deal with disappointment is an important life skill. Participate to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Learn to accept others weaknesses along with your own and learn how to strengthen a weakness.
What differences do you see between opportunities for girls and women in sport today versus when you participated?
When I played we had one uniform and did our own laundry. I remember one road trip drawing the short straw. I had to take all the uniforms and find a laundromat to get them washed before the next morning's games. We also had to pick up rocks off the field before every practice and every game. We learned field maintenance and how to drain a field. Students now have much more support financially, academically and athletically. My coaches were part-time, we used an outdoor weight room at 6 a.m., did our own scheduling of classes, and shared two scholarships my senior year. I wouldn't trade any of it. It made me disciplined and to appreciate everything around me.