Ashburn, Va. — From Vienna, Austria to Albany, New York to Ashburn, Virginia to Athens, Greece back to Ashburn, Virginia, Katrina Potak’s softball journey has been unlike any other.
After first picking up a bat and ball while she was living in Greece, Potak’s family relocated back to Ashburn in 2011, where she became a member of the Broad Run High School softball program. Now, with a single high school season standing between her and college, Potak has made an early verbal commitment to relocate once again, this time to New Haven, Connecticut, where she will continue her softball career at Yale University.
“At Yale, I am able to combine the best of both worlds: playing at a very competitive DI level and learning from the best educators,” the 5-foot-5 Potak said.
[adrotate banner=”19″]One of the premier academic institutions in the world, Potak knows managing a full Ivy League course load at Yale while playing Division I softball will be a challenge. And it’s a challenge she’s looking forward to.
“I know I will be in a challenging environment surrounded by passionate and driven people,” Potak said. “A Yale education will provide me with an incredible foundation for the rest of my life.”
Led by eighth-year head coach Jen Goodwin, the Division I Bulldogs were off to a 5-10 start in 2020 before their season was cut short due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. In their last full season, the Bulldogs finished 16-27, including a 10-11 mark in the Ivy League, winning double digit conference games for just the third time in program history.
“I hope to bring versatility, determination, dedication, and enthusiasm to help the team be most successful,” said Potak, who plans to pitch and play middle infield for the Bulldogs.
Before heading to New Haven, Potak has one final high school season on the docket in Ashburn. From the moment she stepped in the circle at Broad Run, Potak has made a name for herself, earning All-LoCo honorable mention honors following her freshman and sophomore seasons.
“I have always loved the challenge and strategy it takes to play the game of softball,” Potak said. “I continue to stay motivated because I know there is always more to learn and room to grow.”
After the VHSL cancelled her junior season due to the coronavirus, Potak will look to respond with a monster senior season, where she plans to cherish the memories of playing for her hometown team.
“I’m really looking forward to playing with the girls that are coming into high school,” Potak said. “I hope we can come together for a strong season, assuming everything goes according to plan.”