Behind the Bricks - Missy Nowak Staser
9/13/2011 12:00:00 AM | SOFTBALL
Sept. 13, 2011
Our new weekly feature "Behind the Bricks" allows DePaul letterwinners a chance to tell the DePaul community a little bit about themselves, a brief reflection on their time as a Blue Demon student-athlete and where they have gone since stepping off the court, field or diamond.
This feature was renamed "Behind the Bricks" to coincide with the dedication of the John and Dale Melbourne Herklotz Letterwinners Plaza and Champions Courtyard. With the plaza filled with 3,800 bricks representing DePaul's student-athletes since 1926, each brick has a story. "Behind the Bricks" will allow letterwinners to tell their "DePaul Story".
Name: Missy Nowak Staser
Sport(s): Softball
Years Participated: 1991-1995
1.What does being a DePaul Letterwinner mean to you?
It means so much to have been a part of a program and university that has had so much success. I've met wonderful people and proudly got to wear DePaul across my chest for four fabulous years.
2. Why did you choose DePaul?
All five of my sisters attended DePaul; my sister Sue was a cheerleader when the Men's basketball program went to the Final Four. I've been wearing DePaul gear since I was in 1st grade, so the choice was easy to be a Blue Demon. Plus, they offered me a full ride. That wasn't too bad either.
3. What was your favorite memory while at DePaul?
By far, getting the invite to the programs first-ever NCAA tournament in 1994. It was an exciting time for DePaul softball and set the stage for future success. Just a few short years later, the team was in the Women's College World Series and continues to be a perennial powerhouse every season.
4. What did receiving a scholarship from DePaul mean to you?
It means all the hard work I put in prior to my senior year of high school paid off. I could start my career with virtually no debt. I am forever grateful for that because my parents sure as heck weren't going to pay!
5. What was your funniest memory at DePaul?
We were playing #1 Arizona on our spring break trip. I went up to bat, took three swings and struck out. When walking back to the dugout, Jen Bruno asked, "what's she got?" I said, "Nothin'."
6. Brief Summary of your life from graduation till now:
Fresh out of college, I used my degree and became a high school English teacher at Mother McAuley High School and coached softball at Nazareth Academy. I eventually got my real estate broker's license and began selling real estate full-time after five years of teaching. I married Dan Staser in November of 2003 and we are raising two incredible boys, Drew (5) and Zachary (3) and reside in Woodridge. I currently sell homes for Nowak Realty, Inc.
7. Is there a recent highlight that you would like to share with Alumni and friends of DePaul Athletics?
In 2010, I was inducted into the DePaul Hall of Fame. It's an honor I'm extremely proud of.
8. What advice would you give to a current or future student-athlete?
Your four years at DePaul go by so quickly; enjoy every moment--even the bad ones. You will look back with pride at what you and your teammates accomplished and will always have family back at DePaul. It will truly be some of the best years of your life. Accomplish something every day.
Favorites:
Travel destination: Beaches are always wonderful.
Books: I love to read books that keep me motivated--that includes health books, cook books, and real estate books.
Author: Jillian Michaels. Love her no-nonsense attitude.
Movie: The Hangover
Sports movie: Caddyshack, *61, A League of Their Own
Quote: Always swing hard in case you hit it.