ST. PAUL, Minn. – St. Catherine University Director of Athletics, Madge Makowske, announced Kate Praetz '24 as the first head coach of the Wildcats' new varsity flag football team. Praetz will also continue to support the St. Kate's soccer program as a full-time assistant coach. 

As St. Kate's continues to expand opportunities for women in sport, flag football represents an exciting new chapter for Wildcat Athletics. Praetz will lead the launch of the program, including recruiting the first roster, building team culture, and preparing the Wildcats for their inaugural season in Spring 2027. 

"As we launch our new flag football program, I could not be more excited to welcome Kate Praetz back to campus as our Flag Football Coach," said Makowske. "As a former standout goalkeeper in our soccer program, Kate brings exceptional leadership, field awareness, and the ability to anticipate opponents' actions while making quick decisions under pressure. Those qualities, combined with her desire to develop student-athletes in this sport, make her the ideal person to launch this program. We are confident that Coach Praetz will build a strong culture and lead St. Kate's to a bright and exciting future." 

Praetz graduated from St. Kate's in December 2024 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. As the most accomplished goalkeeper in program history, she finished her career with 58 wins, a program record 37 shutouts, four All-MIAC honors, three All-Region selections, and NCAA Division III statistical championship recognition in save percentage. An eight-time MIAC regular season and playoff champion, Praetz led all NCAA divisions in single-season shutouts her junior year and was the 2022 MIAC Playoff MVP. 

"I'm honored to return to the program that helped shape who I am today, and I am excited to play a role in its continued growth," said Praetz. "I am also grateful for the opportunity to support St. Kate's as we launch flag football to help create a great experience for the next group of Wildcats." 

The Wildcats will begin recruiting immediately as they prepare for the program's first season, kicking off in the upcoming academic year. Recruits can complete an interest form or contact Coach Praetz at kmpraetz597@stkate.edu.