“Selfless.” That’s how Ramapo softball coach Bridgette Quimpo described Ramapo’s new hit queen Katie Rygiel. The 11th-year coach brought up a story about Rygiel’s sophomore year when the shortstop suffered a wrist injury and decided to play through the pain.
“She still dove for every ball, went all out despite all the pain she had to endure. She is the type that if she is hurt, tired, or sore, she will push through whatever it is for the sake of others,” Quimpo said.
Rygiel came to Ramapo from Hillsborough and immediately made an impact on the team as a freshman. She led the team, hitting .431 and solidified herself as one of the best players in the conference, earning NJAC All First Team honors. From that season on, Rygiel only continued to improve as she climbed the ranks of the record books.
“When I first got to Ramapo, I wasn’t thinking about records. I wasn’t thinking about records, I just wanted to work hard, compete, and be the best teammate I could be,” Rygiel said in an email to The Ramapo News. “So now to look back and realize that I’ve left that kind of mark is incredibly humbling,” she continued.
It’s not just in the hit column where Rygiel excels for the Roadrunners. In addition to becoming the Ramapo all-time hit leader, she also took the top spot in doubles and RBIs.
“She’s the most consistent player we’ve ever had,” Quimpo said. “She never takes a rep off, giving her best in each swing, each defensive play … Her practice habits are no surprise as to why she’s been successful.”
More than anything, Quimpo credits Rygiel’s character for the amount of success she’s enjoyed.
“Katie is a special human being … She is someone who is willing to grow out of her comfort zone. She has a laugh that is contagious. She is humble, accountable, responsible, resilient, selfless, kind, respectful, loyal and a great teammate.”
While being a superstar on the field, Rygiel also manages to excel just as much off the field, earning NFCA All-American Scholar-Athlete honors in each of her first three years. Additionally, she’s been named to the Ramapo Dean’s list, is in the Honors Program, is an ambassador for Morgan’s Message, is a member of Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athlete Honors Society and is on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. She was also named the 2025 Student Employee of the Year, creating graphics for Ramapo Athletics.
“Balancing everything hasn’t always been easy but I genuinely enjoy everything I’m involved in, and I see real purpose in it all,” Rygiel said about her busy schedule. “I’m also someone who thrives on being challenged and pushing myself to give 100% in everything I do. Whether it’s on the field, in the classroom, or through my work with Ramapo Athletics, I want to be all in and present/dedicated to whatever I am working on at that time,” she continued.
Through all her success, Rygiel leans on her massive support system that includes her family, teammates, coaches and professors.
“Ramapo Softball is truly a family,” she said. “I’ve gained sisters and been coached by people who genuinely care about me as both a player and a person. The support we have for each other is something really special. It’s a team built on support, growth, and care, and I wouldn’t trade that for the world.”
When examining her on-field accomplishments, it would be impossible to know just how humble a player she is. Quimpo recalled a story from Rygiel’s freshman year, saying, “She lacked a lot of confidence coming into college … I remember during one of our first practices together, we were working off a tee and she hit a laser to the outfield fence that hit the wall. I would ask her how it felt, and she would look upset, and respond ‘terrible’ which blew me away.”
“Witnessing her confidence grow throughout these years has been such a joy to watch,” Quimpo said.
Rygiel’s success has continued into her senior season, where she leads the team with 32 hits and three home runs so far. The Roadrunners are in a heated battle at the top of the NJAC, and Rygiel is trying to lead the team to their first NJAC title since 2016.
“The passion, the fight, and the teamwork in [NJAC] games are the moments that define why I love this sport and this program.”
wjackso2@ramapo.edu
Featured photo by Peter Bonilla
