Kate Mager ’22

Kate Mager has always loved school and as a high school athlete playing in AAU leagues was recruited by the Merrimack women’s basketball team. Once she visited campus, she knew it was the college for her, and the scholarship Merrimack offered was a game changer for her family.

Mager always challenges herself: to be a better shooting guard, to be a better teammate, to be a better community member and to be a better student. At Merrimack, she has undertaken a rigorous program of study with two majors: Early Childhood Education and Human Development and Human Services. She has always been attracted to working with kids and says her time coaching “Buddy Ball” for kids with disabilities left an indelible mark on her.

Two of Kate’s professors at Merrimack have provided extraordinary guidance on her academic journey. Dr. Laura Hsu, associate professor of human development, has taught some of her classes and serves as her academic advisor, and Dr. Katelyn Kurkul, assistant professor of human development, taught her course in Research Methods and Applied Statistics in Human Development. Kate remarked, “I am in awe of them and how understanding and flexible they have been the past year.” Due to COVID-19 and the decision by the NCAA to add a year of eligibility for Division I players, Mager plans to stay at Merrimack for a fifth year to play basketball and complete a master’s in special education.

The ultimate people person, Mager says it’s been tough the past year as a student and as a member of the Warrior basketball team. She encourages her teammates during conditioning sessions as well as on the court. She knows as a junior captain she has added responsibilities to be a leader and always remains upbeat for her “sisters.” She loves the time they spend together off the court at meals, during retreats and doing service at both Lazarus House and the Boys and Girls Club in Lawrence, Mass.

Kate is a driven student, dedicated athlete and devoted member of the Merrimack community. She even serves as a referee for intramurals – not always the easiest job in the world – but she loves it. And at every turn, as she puts it, “I try to make myself better every day.”

Kate Mager ’22 represents the dedication of Merrimack students in the classroom and beyond. When you make a gift to The Merrimack Fund, you are supporting students like Kate who will truly make a difference in the world. Visit www.merrimack.edu/gift to make your difference in Merrimack students’ lives today.