NRHS pitcher plans to study nursing

By Chris Villani

When Kate Julian selected Regis College to continue her athletic and academic career, she picked a place that definitively checked both boxes for her.

“I talked to the coach there and she said they take a lot of nursing students, they really prioritize nursing,” Julian said. “When I had the chance to visit and meet a lot of the other girls on the team, we all kind of fit together. I thought it was going to be a really great fit for me.”

Julian capped off a strong high school career as both a pitcher and at first base for Nipmuc. She said she sees some similarities between the Weston college and her high school.

“One of the biggest things is they are a tight-knit community,” she said. “Being from a smaller town like Upton and Mendon, and knowing everyone, I want the tight-knit community experience again and not just be a number in a classroom.”

Julian said the coaching staff told her she will have the chance to earn some playing time right away as the team has a large group of incoming freshmen and graduating seniors.

“As a freshman, it can be tough,” Julian said. “She said I will have to prove every day that I want to be there, and I am going to try to do that.”

Julian is planning to play club softball this summer to stay in shape and get ready for college. 

“It is definitely a big jump going from high school sports and club sports to the college level,” she said. “I will have to lean on my teammates and not be afraid to ask for help. I am just going to try to keep working hard and go in with guns blazing.”

Julian said she has not decided which nursing specialty will be her focus, but she is interested in labor and delivery.

Julian hit .360 for Nipmuc this spring and helped the program to a third straight Dual Valley Conference title.

“Kate was big for us on the mound at the end of the year, pitching a lot of our tough games, and really was super effective at stifling their bats,” said head coach Stephanie DeBaggis.

Julian said she enjoyed her time with Nipmuc this spring and seeing so many underclassmen step up.

“It was nice to see the team excel and see a lot of the players grow,” she said. “I thought it was one of the most rewarding seasons for me.”