FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (May 13, 2020) – In the first Q&A with Northern Arizona volleyball's 2020 signing class, Kate Hatch chats with NAU Athletics. Hatch, a Mesa, Ariz. native, is an incoming setter out of Mesa High School.
Q: What is the one thing that excites you most about joining the NAU Volleyball program?
A: I'm really excited to be part of the culture. I really like the coaches and I'm looking forward to working really hard.
Q: How would you describe yourself as a volleyball player?
A: I would describe myself as smart, a hard worker and dedicated.
Q: All of your siblings play are either currently playing collegiate volleyball or have played collegiate volleyball, so growing up in a volleyball family, how'd you get your start in the sport?
A: I grew up in it my whole life. I think I was like a week old when my mom brought me to her volleyball tournament – she's been coaching my whole life. She coached me and my sister in high school. I had a really good foundation family-wise when it comes to volleyball.
Q: How competitive was it growing up amongst your siblings?
A: Oh yeah, we'd go out in the backyard and play games when we were little and we still do. Of course it gets competitive, but it's fun.
Q: Why did you decide to pursue an exercise science major?
A: I'm looking at a career in physical therapy. I think body movements are cool, especially being an athlete.
Q: How have you been filling your time during the COVID-19 pandemic?
A: Definitely a lot of family time. We've been going on hikes and playing games; a lot of quality time.
Q: What is one fun fact about yourself?
A: I love to bake. My favorite thing to bake are cinnamon rolls.
Kate Hatch At a Glance
Height: 6-0
Position: Setter
Hometown: Mesa, Ariz.
High School: Mesa
Stats to Know: Recorded more than 3,000 assists and 1,100 digs in high school career
What Head Coach Ken Murphy is saying: Kate is exactly the kind of setter that we want leading our program. She is hard-working, humble and focused on making her team better. She leads with a quiet confidence that our team will respect and appreciate from day one. Kate comes from a volleyball family and it shows in her play. She has an advanced skill set, a knack for decision making and the ability to make plays for her team that you just don't see in many high school players. She will undoubtedly be a huge part of our success in the coming years.
