Softball Alumni Spotlights

Loyola Softball Alumni Spotlights

Welcome to our Loyola Chicago Softball Alumni Spotlights, where we celebrate the incredible journeys of former Ramblers who continue to inspire beyond the diamond. From standout student-athletes to leaders in their communities and professions, these Q&A style stories highlight the lasting impact of Loyola Softball. Check back weekly as we shine a light on the achievements, memories and legacies of our proud alumni.

Want to submit your alumni story? Contact assistant coach Ali Brems abrems@luc.edu and/or fill out the form here.

Jocelyn Currie was a versatile four-year contributor for the Ramblers (2021–2024), seeing time in the outfield and infield while earning Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete honors three times. She appeared in 130 career games (78 starts), recording 34 hits, 11 doubles, 21 RBI, 16 runs scored, and four stolen bases. As a senior, she posted a career-best .378 average, driving in eight runs and scoring four, highlighted by multiple multi-hit games. Known for her adaptability and defensive reliability, she delivered key performances throughout her career, including a three-hit, two-double game against Western Illinois as a freshman.
Why did you choose Loyola?
The beautiful campus on Lake Michigan, the amazing opportunities it offered, and the chance to be part of something special.
What is your fondest athletic memory at Loyola?
Playing in the 2023 A-10 championship game—every girl gave everything they had that day, and the energy was unforgettable. That team truly loved each other and we had ana amazing season.
What is the most valuable thing you gained or learned from your time at Loyola?
Teamwork and leadership skills that translate directly to the real world
What advice would you give current members of the softball team?
It goes by so fast—enjoy every moment, even the tough ones. They’ll shape you into a strong, resilient young woman.
What was your go-to post-practice meal or campus spot?
Chipotle was always my go to, and it did not help I lived right across from it.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Dr. Rafferty, I had her for multiple classes for my major (Healthcare Administration). The advice she about being a leader in healthcare are things I will never forget. She emphasized the importance of true human connection in your work.
If you had a walk-up song today, what would it be?
I would probably stick to my senior year walk up songs - 'Til You Can't by Cody Johnson or My sophomore year song She's Country by Jason Aldean
Where do you live now?
I live back in my hometown, McHenry, IL.
What is your occupation? What did your career path look like? How did you end up there?
I’m a Nursing Home Administrator, and I truly love serving the elderly population. My role is about making sure residents receive the best possible care while supporting and guiding the staff who care for them. Every day brings new challenges—whether it’s managing operations, ensuring we meet regulations, or creating a warm, safe environment for residents—but it’s deeply rewarding work that makes a difference in people’s lives.
Teagan Sopczak was a four-year starter in Loyola’s outfield (2021–2024), earning CSC Academic All-District honors as a senior and twice being named an Easton/NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete. She appeared in 185 games, compiling 102 hits, 10 doubles, two triples, five home runs, 46 RBI, 74 runs scored, and 13 stolen bases, while committing just one career error. In 2024, she hit .274 with 40 hits, 27 RBI, and 29 runs, highlighted by a pair of five-RBI performances. Known for her speed, consistency, and clutch hitting, she delivered key moments throughout her career, including a game-winning home run in the 2021 MVC Championship opener.
Why did you choose Loyola?
I chose Loyola because of how great the academics were and how fun and kind everyone was on my visits. I love being in Chicago and the athletic department was unbelievable to my 15 year old self. It instantly felt like home!
What is your fondest athletic memory at Loyola?
Playing in the A-10 championship. The week itself and weeks leading up to it are some of the best memories of my life!
What is the most valuable thing you gained or learned from your time at Loyola?
If you can dream it, you can do it! Believing in, supporting, and cheering on those around you is the best thing you can do for yourself.
The most valuable thing I gained from Loyola is the people. My teammates, coaches, trainers, and athletes from other sports are lifelong relationships that I’ll cherish forever. The people really do make the place and I’m so blessed to have found some of the most special people in my life at Loyola
What advice would you give current members of the softball team?
You’ll never regret making this a positive experience and taking away everything you can from it even when it’s hard to, you’ll only regret the opposite. Have fun, keep the locker room light hearted, and remember that little you is beaming with joy seeing where you are at!!! Give it everything you have and soak it all in
What was your go-to post-practice meal or campus spot?
Chipotle
Honorable mention on a Sunday: Brunos
Who was your favorite professor and why?
William Bergman - he made finance fun and loved to hear about the softball team
If you had a walk-up song today, what would it be?
Dancing Queen - ABBA
Where do you live now?
Tinley Park, IL
What is your occupation? What did your career path look like? How did you end up there?
I’m going into my second year of law school at Chicago-Kent College of Law in West Loop! I also work in the loop at Duggan Bertsch, LLC doing a little bit of everything: Real Estate & Estate Planning, Tax, Sports & Entertainment, etc. I love it all and hoping to keep exploring the legal side of NIL in college athletics!
Raven (Gengler) Krupa was a four-year letterwinner on Loyola Chicago's softball team (2003–2007) and a standout behind and at the plate. The reliable catcher appeared in 208 total games and etched her name in the record books as a program leader in career doubles (35), home runs (17) and RBI (89). Raven boasted a .971 fielding percentage across her career. She garnered a spot on the Horizon League All-Newcomer Team in 2004 followed by an All-Horizon League First Team selection in 2005. Raven was a dual-athlete at Loyola, also playing for the women's basketball team.
Why did you choose Loyola?
I wanted to stay local to my hometown (Oak Park, IL).
What is your fondest athletic memory at Loyola?
Before there was any netting put up to protect property outlining the field, I hate a homerun that broke the top floor window of the apartment building behind left field. We also had some huge wins over top teams like Depaul and Northwestern.
What is the most valuable thing you gained or learned from your time at Loyola?
I gained a number of friendships from playing softball, as well as the basketball team, that I have to this day.
What advice would you give current members of the softball team?
One thing I wish I learned the hard way during my career was to take care of yourself. I pushed myself harder than I should in moments that were out of my control and wound up tearing up my body quite a bit. Remember to always do your best but give yourself grace that you are human and there is a life beyond college that is even better!
What was your go-to post-practice meal or campus spot?
Lakeshore Dining all the way!
Who was your favorite professor and why?
I can't remember his name for the life of me, but one of my professors from the School of Education made a positive impact on me as a person and future educator that I'll always appreciate.
If you had a walk-up song today, what would it be?
Truth Hurts by Lizzo because it has an awesome beat and reflects the confidence I've grown to have versus the people pleaser I used to be. Plus my kids love dancing to it!
Where do you live now?
I live in Chicago, not far from Loyola. My wife and I love taking our four kids to basketball games!
What is your occupation? What did your career path look like? How did you end up there?
I am going into my 14th year of teaching. I took a break from teaching when I was pregnant with my twins, which lead into COVID, resulting in taking an interesting path into working for a prominent loan company, Guaranteed Rate. I had a unique opportunity to both create and build an in-house university that prepared prospective employees for the role they were being hired for or if they were pursuing an alternate career path within the company. It was a great experience because I was still able to apply my education background while tapping into other skills I didn't even know I had. I enjoyed working remotely but am happy to be back in a school setting as a teacher for Chicago Public Schools.
One of Loyola’s all-time great pitchers, Kiley Jones ranks second in program history in wins (60) and innings pitched (664) and fourth in strikeouts (353). A 2018 NFCA All-Midwest Region selection and two-time First Team MVC Scholar-Athlete, she combined dominance in the circle with excellence in the classroom. After playing professionally in Germany, Jones returned to Rogers Park where she coached her alma mater for three seasons, specializing in pitching.
Why did you choose Loyola?
The city, the academics and the opportunities.
What is your fondest athletic memory at Loyola?
Playing at NC State and Alabama.
What is the most valuable thing you gained or learned from your time at Loyola?
Loneliness isn’t permanent, choose the folks who will choose you back.
What advice would you give current members of the softball team?
Your “people” might not be in the same class as you.
What was your go-to post-practice meal or campus spot?
Damen salad bar and frost your own cookie.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Brent In because he taught us about how life outside of college really was, nothing was ever fluff with him.
If you had a walk-up song today, what would it be?
It would still be Crazy Train.
Where do you live now?
Chicago.
What is your occupation? What did your career path look like? How did you end up there?
Therapist. Coach. International professional athlete. Jail therapist. The list would be shorter to list what my path did NOT look like!
Gardner, one of Loyola softball’s all-time greats, was twice named Pitcher of the Year (Horizon League 2012, MVC 2014) and graduated as the program’s career leader in wins, strikeouts and innings pitched. The Orland Park, Ill. native posted a 67-49 record, 2.52 ERA and 753 strikeouts, earning three First Team All-Horizon League nods, a 2014 First Team All-MVC selection and two NFCA All-Region honors. She helped lead Loyola to back-to-back Horizon League titles (2012, 2013) and set the single-season strikeout record (205) in 2012. Gardner later rejoined her alma mater as an assistant coach in 2017.
Why did you choose Loyola?
I wanted to play under Missy Beseres. I liked the way she approached pitching and felt really supported by her in the camps I went to. Loyola also had a 5-year master's program for social work which was really important to me. It was also close to home so I could still see my family.
What is your fondest athletic memory at Loyola?
There are so many but my favorite is when we won the semis to go to the championship for the MVC tournament. It was our first year in the league.
What is the most valuable thing you gained or learned from your time at Loyola?
The bond that was created with my class. We’re still extremely close.
What advice would you give current members of the softball team?
Take advantage of living in the city. Explore the different neighborhoods. I wish my class would have done more of that when we were there. And enjoy the moment. There’s so much hard work that goes into being a collegiate athlete. I hope you can enjoy it while you’re there.
What was your go-to post-practice meal or campus spot?
Rambler room was the best. You could catch our class after practice with a buffalo chicken wrap and pint of Ben and Jerry’s. Or at Simpson sharing a plate of cheese fries and Belgian waffle topped with ice cream.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
I really loved my social work and criminal justice professors. The classes were engaging and it was what I was really interested in.
If you had a walk-up song today, what would it be?
Hells Bells by AC/DC
Where do you live now?
Summerville, South Carolina
What is your occupation? What did your career path look like? How did you end up there?
Currently, I have my own private practice providing mental health services. After graduation, I got my master's. I worked in the schools for awhile then coached at Loyola for a bit. I went back to schools until I passed my licensure exam and got my LCSW. Then I was at a group practice for two years until I moved with my now husband to South Carolina and started my own telehealth practice.
Lauren played for the Ramblers from 2010–2014, graduating Cum Laude and earning Dean’s List honors in seven semesters. A National Society of Scholars member, she was recognized as an NFCA All-America Scholar-Athlete and named to the Horizon League Academic Honor Roll. On the field, Lauren earned All-Tournament Team honors at the 2012 Horizon League Tournament, was a 2013 College Sports Madness First Team All-Horizon League selection, and received 2014 Preseason Second Team All-MVC recognition, along with MVC Softball Scholar-Athlete Honorable Mention.
Why did you choose Loyola?
It was a Christian university close to home and dedicated to volunteer work. It also was rare for a softball program to let you pursue a nursing degree, but Loyola did!
What is your fondest athletic memory at Loyola?
Competing in the Conference tournament.
What is the most valuable thing you gained or learned from your time at Loyola?
My teammates are the most valuable thing I gained from my time at Loyola. We’ve been friends for 15 years now and been there for each other through the ups and downs of life. I’m so grateful to God for bringing me to Loyola to meet my forever friends/sisters.
What advice would you give current members of the softball team?
You will be pushed the limit and learn to perfect your swing, skills etc. but don’t forget the qualities that led you to be recruited in the first place. You have something special inside you. Remember that!
What was your go-to post-practice meal or campus spot?
A pint of Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Monkey ice cream was my favorite treat. My teammates and I would sit down for dinner and talk for hours after practice just learning about each other and laughing.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Professor Shamsuddin - even though statistics wasn’t my favorite subject, he was always cheerful and made himself available for questions.
If you had a walk-up song today, what would it be?
I'm Still Standing by Elton John. We play it all the time at our house because my 3 year old son loves it from the movie Sing.
Where do you live now?
Elgin, Ill.
What is your occupation? What did your career path look like? How did you end up there?
I am a Labor and Delivery nurse and I was made for it!
Jacquelyn Murphy was a four-year contributor for the Ramblers from 2014–2017, appearing in 154 games and making 110 starts, primarily at first base. Over her career, she totaled 16 doubles, five triples, 10 home runs, and 38 RBI, with more than half of her hits going for extra bases. A steady presence in the lineup, she delivered numerous clutch performances, including a game-winning home run in the 2014 MVC Tournament semifinal to send Loyola to the championship game. She ranked second on the team in on-base percentage as a junior and was known for her power at the plate, recording multiple three-run homers during her career.
Why did you choose Loyola?
Top tier education that allowed me to both major in nursing and play Division 1 softball.
What is your fondest athletic memory at Loyola?
Inaugural Missouri Valley Conference postseason run in 2014.
What is the most valuable thing you gained or learned from your time at Loyola?
Truthfully the friendships, specifically those from the softball team.
What advice would you give current members of the softball team?
Soak it all in, time flies.
What was your go-to post-practice meal or campus spot?
Spending way too long in the Damen dining hall with the team.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
If you had a walk-up song today, what would it be?
All Star - Smashmouth
Where do you live now?
Clawson, Michigan
What is your occupation? What did your career path look like? How did you end up there?
I’m an orthopedic nurse practitioner, and have been for 3 years. I worked as an ICU nurse, then a rapid response nurse while in NP school at U of Michigan.
Brooke Wilson was a four-year starter in Loyola’s outfield from 2016–2019, appearing in 183 games and earning multiple academic honors, including Google Cloud First Team Academic All-District, the State Farm MVC Good Neighbor Award, and MVC Scholar-Athlete Team recognition. She tallied 100 career hits with 17 doubles, seven triples, three home runs, 43 RBI, 66 runs, and 17 stolen bases, while committing only one error in four seasons. Her best offensive year came in 2018 when she hit .268 with 40 hits, 19 RBI, and a career-long nine-game hitting streak, highlighted by a 4-for-4 walk-off performance against Missouri State. Known for her speed, consistency, and clutch play, she delivered game-changing moments such as a walk-off home run vs. UNI in 2017 and a 3-for-3, two-double outing against Western Illinois in 2016.
Why did you choose Loyola?
I chose Loyola University Chicago because it offers the perfect blend of academic excellence, Jesuit values, the ability to play the sport I love, and a strong sense of community. Loyola’s commitment to educating the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—aligns with my own belief in learning with purpose and using my skills to make a positive impact.
What is your fondest athletic memory at Loyola?
My favorite athletic memory at Loyola was our preseason trip to Florida. I couldn’t tell you how many games we won or lost, but the van rides and Airbnb memories are something I will never forget.
What is the most valuable thing you gained or learned from your time at Loyola?
The most valuable thing I learned at Loyola came from the people around me—in both athletics and the classroom. My teammates taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of supporting each other through challenges, while my classmates pushed me to think critically, embrace diverse perspectives, and strive for excellence in every area of life.
What advice would you give current members of the softball team?
My advice to current players is to fully embrace every moment and be where your feet are —both on the field and in the classroom. Athletics at Loyola will teach you discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, but don’t forget to value the relationships you’re building - these are friends for LIFE! Learn from your coaches, push yourself alongside your teammates, carry those lessons into your academics and future career, and don’t forget to laugh along the way. Your time here will go by faster than you think, so love the people around you!!!!
What was your go-to post-practice meal or campus spot?
Our post practice meal was all of us heading to Damen Food Hall and cranking out our study hours together afterwards. Some of my best memories were made with other athletes and teammates during those hours.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
My favorite professor was Dr. Polina Pine. I was blessed to be in her class twice. She was my favorite professor because she made me better—pushing me to go beyond what I thought I was capable of, holding me to high standards, and showing me how to approach challenges with confidence and resilience.
If you had a walk-up song today, what would it be?
Danza Kaduro - and salsa up to bat!
Where do you live now?
Tampa, FL
What is your occupation? What did your career path look like? How did you end up there?
I’m a dentist! My career path included undergraduate studies at Loyola, dental school at the University of Illinois - Chicago, and booking it for the warm weather once I graduated. I love my job and credit my drive and love for serving others largely to my time spent with Loyola Softball.
Lauren (Arceneaux) Boryla was a four-year letterwinner and standout shortstop from 2008-2012. Boryla was a First Team All-Horizon League Selection and All-Academic member in 2011 and a Second-Team Selection in 2012. She was a member of the Horizon League's All-Newcomer Team in 2009. She was an active student-athlete on and off the field as a Maroon & Gold Society Member from 2011-12.
Why did you choose Loyola?
Loyola was the best academic school recruiting me to play softball and it was close to home.
What is your fondest athletic memory at Loyola?
Laughing a lot with my teammates and hitting a home run over the apartment complex in left field.
What is the most valuable thing you gained or learned from your time at Loyola?
I learned how to be a good teammate and work with people who are different than me. Also, our chaplain walked us through spiritual exercises that were very helpful for me.
What advice would you give current members of the softball team?
Don’t take yourself too seriously. Work hard and have fun.
What was your go-to post-practice meal or campus spot?
I was a biology major and spent a lot of time in the IC.
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Dr Ramsey really helped me through calc based physics.
If you had a walk-up song today, what would it be?
“I Thank God” by Maverick City Music
Where do you live now?
Colorado Springs, Colo.
What is your occupation? What did your career path look like? How did you end up there?
Pediatric physical therapist. I was admitted to Regis university in Denver likely because I went to Loyola, and met my husband in Denver.