From 2005 to 2008, hard-hitting, slick-fielding infielder, Katie Gollhardt, was a fixture on the softball diamond for the Titans. Earning the sobriquet, the Iron Woman, Katie played every inning of every game in her four-year Cal State Fullerton career, hitting 23 home runs, and helping to lead the Titans to four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances.
Gollhardt grew up in Glendora, and was a four-year all-league selection at Bishop Amat High School in La Puente, playing catcher and first base. Katie's travel ball team was coached by former Titans, Chenita Rogers and Pam Newton. Recruited by then-Titan head coach, Michelle Gromacki, Katie narrowed her college choices to Auburn and Cal State Fullerton.
Katie explained the reason for her ultimate choice: "One of the major deciding factors was that my parents could be at every single game. She added candidly, "All the California girls at Auburn were on academic probation as their grades had dropped since they had been so far from home. I thought I would want to party too much too," she said humorously. "But I really wanted my parents to be able to be a part of this experience with me. And being on a full-ride scholarship, I knew that I would be able to live away from home and still be able to go back for laundry and Costco pickups," she said with a smile.
Coming to the powerhouse Titan softball program, Katie was asked if she was surprised when she immediately cracked the starting lineup as a freshman. She confidently replied: "I don't recall being surprised. When I was playing for Chenita Rogers and Pam Newton, there was only one option: That I continue to work to get into the lineup and help the team. I had spent many years preparing my skills to be able to play."
After securing the starting job at first base, Katie never looked back, playing every inning in her 229-game Fullerton career, and earning her the nickname of the Iron Woman, a tribute to Lou Gehrig's Iron Man nickname for playing in 2,130 consecutive games for the New York Yankees.
When asked to explain her tenacity and durability, Katie said: "I guess I have to go back to my training, that there is no other option. If I can stand and work, then I am in the lineup. I once got pretty sick on the bus ride to CSUN during my sophomore year, and I remember running to the dugout to warm up like 30 minutes before the game. But I knew that I was ready to go, and that I could give my teammates my (full) energy. The mentality to stay present and continue to move forward and to 'control what I can control' is all in thanks to Dr. Ken Ravizza. I still use his approach to this day."
In a May 11, 2008 Daily Titan article, Gollhardt mused about the necessity of her daily planner, saying she "would legitimately die without it." Not putting a scheduled mandatory team drug test in her planner was almost costly. Katie recalled, "I still laugh about it. I had to sprint to the Gym to get it done right before a game."
Moved to third base in her senior season, Katie had to work hard to learn to play the hot corner, a totally unfamiliar position. Said Gromacki at the time, "She turned into a phenomenal third baseman as well. She grew to that. It was her hard work and effort, continuously, that led her to do that."
Looking back at her time at Cal State Fullerton, including four consecutive NCAA softball tournament appearances, Katie reminisced: "I loved the whole experience. The fall practices and games, all the gassers, our tournaments, bus rides - even when it broke down one time, the girls - I miss my teammates, study hall hours, and all of the athletes rocking sweatpants on campus. There are just so many amazing memories that continue to go through my head."
Former Titan teammate, Ashely VanBoxmeer, volunteered: "Katie was one of the best teammates that I've ever had. She brought the energy and laughter day in and day out. She had such a positive outlook in everything."
Katie (Gollhardt) Meares, married Matt Meares in 2014. Together, they have two children, Brynn (7), and Beric (5). The family resides in Upland, Calif. Katie is an emergency room nurse at San Antonio Regional Hospital, and an adjunct clinical instructor at Mt. San Antonio College.
In February of this year, Katie received some very unwelcome news: "I found some swelling (in my breast), and was able to get into my doctor the next day. Well, I actually just showed up that morning and asked them to look at it without an appointment. I was able to get all my scans and biopsies done. 2-1/2 weeks later I was told I had breast cancer. It was the shock of my life! 2-1/2 weeks after that, I had my first day of chemo. So, in just five weeks I was on my way to recovery. It has gone very fast, and I am so grateful to the amazing people and community at City of Hope, Duarte. I know that I am literally in the best hands possible."
VanBoxmeer offered: "She is a fighter. And if I know anything about "Katie G," she is one tough chick. Good luck cancer, you picked the wrong girl!
On April 22, 2023, Katie was invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Anderson Family Field in support of breast cancer treatment and research. Titan softball has long been an advocate for women's health issues. Catching the pitch was Katie's former Titan head coach, Michelle Gromacki. Unsurprisingly, Katie rocked back and delivered a strike with some juice on the pitch.
Katie offered some lasting words: "Keep smiling and loving each day - for it is a gift. Find the good in all situations and continue to move onward."
Honors
- B.S., Health Science, Cal State Fullerton – 2008
- A.S., Nursing, Mt. San Antonio College – 2012
- M.S., Nursing – Health Care Systems Management, Loyola University New Orleans - 2015
- All-Big West Conference, Second Team – 2006
- All-Big West Conference, Honorable Mention – 2008
- NCAA Softball Tournament – 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
- Big West Conference Champions - 2006
CSUF Softball Career Records
- #6 (T) – Games Started – 229
- #8 (T) – Doubles – 39
- #8 – Total Bases – 304
- #8 (T) – Hit By Pitch - 27
- #9 – Runs Batted In – 115