DePaul University Athletics
Alumni Spotlight: Kate Letcher
9/14/2024 3:00:00 PM | WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL
Letcher played at DePaul from 2007-2011
CHICAGO - Kate Letcher took advantage of every opportunity that came her way while at DePaul, becoming a volleyball letter winner and double-majoring in communications and German. She credits DePaul staff and faculty with supporting her journey.
"It was because of my academic advisors that I was able to double-major, so I really appreciated their help. I worked closely with my professors, especially my German professor, to do things like independent study to be able to get both degrees," Letcher reflected.
When deciding where to continue her studies Letcher didn't need to look far, after her positive experience as a student-athlete strengthened her connection to DePaul.
"The Athletic Department truly believes in their Vincentian values, beyond just one service day or one event. The opportunity to connect with others and give back was important to me, which is a large part of why I went to DePaul Law."
Although she didn't realize it at the time, plenty of what Letcher learned as a student-athlete became relevant to her work.
"I had the incredible opportunity to room with an international student-athlete, who became like a sister to me. That experience taught me about communicating with people from different parts of the world. You also communicate across generations when you're a student-athlete, which I think is very applicable in the practice of law."
Aside from her roommate, Letcher became close with her teammates as they battled through adversity and continued to grow on the court. Even now, she continues to form new bonds with members of the DePaul volleyball community.
"One of the things I've loved about Marie [Zidek] taking the helm, is that the alumni are really starting to come together. I have met women who played at so many different points in time, and their daughters, many of whom attend DePaul camps."
Letcher recognizes the development DePaul volleyball has undergone over 50 seasons, and after watching the team win their first BIG EAST Tournament match under Zidek in 2023, she is even more excited for what is to come.
"My senior year, Marie [Zidek] was an assistant coach, who brought so much positivity, and a love of the game like I had never seen. To watch her now at the helm and see what she's doing is just incredible. Watching the tournament win last year was so unbelievably exciting. For the DePaul community, especially the volleyball alumni, it was a thrill."
When she isn't in the court room, you can find Letcher enjoying concerts, exploring Chicago, or playing violin in the Chicago Bar Association Symphony Orchestra.
"It was because of my academic advisors that I was able to double-major, so I really appreciated their help. I worked closely with my professors, especially my German professor, to do things like independent study to be able to get both degrees," Letcher reflected.
When deciding where to continue her studies Letcher didn't need to look far, after her positive experience as a student-athlete strengthened her connection to DePaul.
"The Athletic Department truly believes in their Vincentian values, beyond just one service day or one event. The opportunity to connect with others and give back was important to me, which is a large part of why I went to DePaul Law."
Although she didn't realize it at the time, plenty of what Letcher learned as a student-athlete became relevant to her work.
"I had the incredible opportunity to room with an international student-athlete, who became like a sister to me. That experience taught me about communicating with people from different parts of the world. You also communicate across generations when you're a student-athlete, which I think is very applicable in the practice of law."
Aside from her roommate, Letcher became close with her teammates as they battled through adversity and continued to grow on the court. Even now, she continues to form new bonds with members of the DePaul volleyball community.
"One of the things I've loved about Marie [Zidek] taking the helm, is that the alumni are really starting to come together. I have met women who played at so many different points in time, and their daughters, many of whom attend DePaul camps."
Letcher recognizes the development DePaul volleyball has undergone over 50 seasons, and after watching the team win their first BIG EAST Tournament match under Zidek in 2023, she is even more excited for what is to come.
"My senior year, Marie [Zidek] was an assistant coach, who brought so much positivity, and a love of the game like I had never seen. To watch her now at the helm and see what she's doing is just incredible. Watching the tournament win last year was so unbelievably exciting. For the DePaul community, especially the volleyball alumni, it was a thrill."
When she isn't in the court room, you can find Letcher enjoying concerts, exploring Chicago, or playing violin in the Chicago Bar Association Symphony Orchestra.
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