The 2017-2018 Cougar basketball season is in full swing with conference games rapidly approaching. So far, both the women’s and men’s basketball teams are having acceptable seasons.
The 2017-2018 Cougar women’s basketball team has a 16-2 record. They lost their first game of the season during their Christmas Break trip in Hawaii against a NAIA Division I program.
Then during the “Holiday Classic Tournament,” the team lost against #2 Concordia University in a close battle. This is when the girls got their first taste of what the playoffs could be like.
Now the team sits at the #4 spot in the NAIA polls, so they still have a chance to go back to Sioux City. Senior guard Kara Krolicki especially knows that this team has what it takes.
Krolicki comes from Lincoln-Way East High School where she played basketball for four years. Krolicki has been a power-house player ever since she started her basketball career at Saint Xavier.
In fact, she was the CCAC Freshman of the Year. As a freshman, she started in 33 out of the 35 games and played in all games. More importantly, she recently became the Saint Xavier Women’s Top Scorer in basketball this past “Holiday Classic Tournament” against Goshen College.
She passed the then record of Morgan Stuut (2011-2015). The new record sits at 2,331 career points and counting.
Kara has made her mark here at SXU. When I sat down with her we talked about life after basketball and the feeling after she realized she set a new record.
Let’s see what this dominating Cougar has to say!
When did you start playing basketball and why?
I started playing basketball around the age of nine. At the time I was also playing softball but new that I was always interested in basketball so when the time of the year came I joined my first team. Ever since that moment I knew basketball was the sport for me.
Growing up, who was your role model?
My family has always been a role model to me, they would have and still would do anything for me to succeed in my sport. They are extremely supportive. I also had a coach in AAU basketball, Kathlynn McClain, who pushed me extremely hard to not just improve physically but also mentally.
Did you always know you wanted to play basketball?
I always enjoyed playing with my older brother and his friends when I was little so I knew I really liked it, and from the second I actually started playing on a team I knew there was no other sport for me.
Why did you come to Saint Xavier University?
I came to Saint Xavier because I was looking for a school with both a great educational reputation along with a great basketball reputation. Coach Hallberg has provided me with both as he has given me the opportunity to go to a great school while also playing for a great program.
Do you have any superstitions or pregame rituals?
Not really, no.
You are now the top scorer in Saint Xavier women’s Basketball history. What does this accomplishment mean to you?
This accomplishment is extremely exciting for me, it is awesome to hold such a record especially when the person who held it before you was such a great player.
What was the most memorable game you’ve played?
The most memorable game for me during my time here at St. X is the Concordia game last year down at nationals. We were in the semi final game and we were down by a lot, however we stayed within one another and were able to pull off a comeback of a lifetime to advance to the national championship. Our families and fans made it very special as the energy was so high for us even though we were so far away from home.
Who is your favorite professor at SXU?
Norman Boyer, he is such a nice man and he always supports us at our games.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
I plan to attend graduate school to pursue my masters degree in Finance, while being a grad assistant at the same time.
What will you miss about playing basketball at SXU?
Accepting the fact that I will be done playing basketball in just a few short months is extremely hard. This is a sport that has shaped me into the person I am today. I will definitely miss the relationships with my teammates after my career is over, along with the excitement basketball brings me day in and day out. Saint Xavier basketball is really something special.
Any hobbies?
I enjoy watching sports, especially basketball and spending time with friends and family.
What are your Super Bowl predictions?
I think the Patriots are going to win the Super Bowl.
Thank you for taking the time to talk with me Kara! I wish you nothing but the best in the future!
Tune in next week when I sit down with another Cougar All-Star!
Christine Manika
Sports Columnist