Who is she? Nicole Pauly, a former star infielder for the Northwestern Wildcats and in the National Pro Fastpitch league.
What is she known for? Pauly was a four-time all-Big Ten second baseman for the Wildcats from 2007-2010, earning all-region honors three times. At the end of her collegiate career, she was ranked second all-time in the NU record books for runs and third in career home runs, RBI, doubles, and total bases. Following her collegiate career, Pauly played in the NPF for the Chicago Bandits and the Akron Racers.
Here’s something interesting… In addition to being a softball superstar, Nicole was recruited to also play basketball in college after being named all-state three years in a row in high school. She also used to compete in figure skating and gymnastics.
Quotable quote: “Softball is a game where you fail more than you succeed. As a softball player, unless you learn these three things, you will never succeed in this game.
1. You have to learn from your failures. Each pitch is an opportunity to gain knowledge. Be the best student of the game and you will put yourself in a very good position to win.
2. Have a short memory. Learn and then move on. Turn your “don’t” statements (don’t strikeout, don’t make an error, etc.) into “do” statements (hands to the ball, attack the ball, etc.).
3. ALWAYS respect the game. Run out every hit ball, don’t throw your equipment, listen and respect your coaches, and be the teammate you want to have.”
What’s she up to now? After retiring from the NPF in 2013, Pauly became a guidance counselor for Palatine High School, her alma mater in a suburb of Chicago. She is also the head varsity softball coach at PHS and led her team to a regional championship last spring, the first of Pauly’s coaching career.
Keep up: You can keep up with Nicole by following her on Twitter @paulygirl88 and on Instagram @npaulycapalbo.
