Written by Rachael Pellegrini|
Photos by Quinnipiac Athletics|
In 2017, Quinnipiac Assistant Volleyball Coach Katie Urycki started her job as an athletic trainer for The Morgan School. After two years of serving as the athletic trainer, an opportunity opened up for Katie to potentially become a volleyball coach for Morgan. Unfortunately, scheduling issues arose, and Katie was unable to be both the athletic trainer and volleyball coach. Fortunately for her, Katie then received the opportunity of a lifetime: Assistant Coach for Quinnipiac Volleyball.
After attending Quinnipiac as a division one student-athlete, Katie Urycki accepted a job at Morgan to be the athletic trainer. On a typical day at Morgan, she would arrive at the school at 1:30 to prep and get ready for the afterschool rush. Since fall is the busiest season, she prioritized who needed to get on the bus first before providing rehab. This was the optimal routine for a calm and efficient afternoon. Although she enjoyed athletic training, volleyball was her first love, and when a job opening to be the assistant coach at Quinnipiac became available, she applied and got the position.
Starting her sophomore year in high school, Katie began coaching third and fourth graders and loved it immediately. Katie said, “I loved the impact that I had on the girls. As I continued coaching, my passion for the game grew and continued. Coaching is a way for me to continue the sport even though I’m not playing.” Her 2019 appearance as an assistant coach was not her first time with Quinnipiac Volleyball.
In 2013, Katie was a first-year at Quinnipiac and played on the team as an outside hitter, libero, and right side. Following her playing career, she got into coaching with the CT Juniors Volleyball Club. She has coached at multiple levels within the club, including the high school tryout preparation camp, the head coach of the U14 team, working at the winter and summer developmental camps, as well as running private lessons.
Coaching at the same college where she played is an extraordinary opportunity. “I like athletic training” said Katie. “But volleyball is my passion and if I am going to have to work, I want to do something I love and am passionate for. I love Quinnipiac and am excited to be back and contributing back into the team.”