Mary Kay Monaghan’s love for sports ignited in first grade when she started playing softball.
“I was always at the park, surrounded by my three brothers, who were deeply involved in football, basketball, and baseball. Their passion for sports was contagious, and I found myself drawn to it,” she said.
Monaghan’s journey into the world was an adventure in itself, as she was born in a car on the way to the hospital.
“My Uncle Phillip was driving my mom to St. Elizabeth Hospital, but we didn’t make it. I came into the world, Mary Kay Schaefer, in the car. The story made the paper I was born between Kedzie and North Avenues.”
Nearby Monaghan’s childhood home was Sayre Park.
“I would always try to compete with my older brothers and the neighborhood boys,” she said. “We played 16-inch softball, baseball, and basketball. I spent more hours playing games at the park than doing any chores back home. No girls were playing, but I was a tomboy. My mom would tell everyone she could never catch me.”
Monaghan’s journey into the world of sports was shaped by the guidance of her mentor, Gloria Kolbusz.
“I attended an all-girls high school, Mother Guerin High School, and I was thrilled to have a real gym to play sports and organized games. Our gym teacher, Gloria Kolbusz, was a strong advocate for girls in sports. Her belief in us and her dedication to our development had a profound impact on my journey in girls’ sports,” Monaghan said.
Her sports journey paid off.
Monaghan said, “I received a full scholarship for basketball and softball at UIC Chicago. I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. I was the baptain of the basketball team and played point guard. Unfortunately, girls didn’t have Title IX at this time. The programs were underfunded for females.”
Monaghan was offered a Free Agent Contract to play with the Women’s Professional Basketball League (WPBL) team, the Chicago Hustle.
Monaghan said, “At the same time, I also got offered a job working for the Chicago Park District in recreation. I discussed the opportunities with my dad, and he advised me to take the park district job. I worked for sixteen years with the parks, married, and had four boys.”
Monaghan’s dedication and love for sports were recognized when she was inducted into the 16″ Chicago Softball Hall of Fame in 1997, becoming the second woman to receive this honor. She was also inducted into the Illinois Hall of Honor by the United States Slo-Pitch Association on November 8, 2008. These accolades are a testament to her commitment and success in the Women’s Class “A” USA program. From 1979 through 1990, she led her team to become 3-time Class “A” State Champions and maintained a national ranking in the top 20 for many years.
In 2007, Monaghan entered a contest sponsored by the Women’s Sports Foundation. It required an essay on what sports meant to her.
“The winner would meet Robin Roberts, an anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America. She was also a sportscaster for fifteen years on ESPN. I won and had the opportunity to meet Robin Roberts on Good Morning America. I had just finished reading her book, ‘From the Heart: Seven Rules to Live By.’ It accounts for the seven rules Robin learned during her transition from college basketball star to ESPN commentator to Good Morning America host. The book inspired me,” she said.
Monaghan received a studio tour and met a few icons, including Diane Sawyer, Chris Cuomo, and Steve Martin, a guest on the show.
Monaghan moved to Sun City in 2017 and joined the Softball Club.
“I was surprised that we had to play 16-inch softball with a glove. I played with the Hurricanes, and I have met some wonderful team players who love the game.”
Monaghan continued to play softball in “The Legends of 16-inch Softball” for several years at Forest Park District, often for a few innings.
“I have all the t-shirts from those games,” Monaghan said. “I applied the lessons I learned from sports — teamwork, discipline, and perseverance —to other areas of my life. Sports will always be a part of me, and I’m grateful for the lessons they’ve taught me.”
