Drogheda student Kate Kelly is proving that dedication and determination can go hand in hand as she balances the demands of a nursing degree with her passion for basketball.
The third-year general nursing student at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT), and former pupil of St Oliver’s Community College, has gained valuable experience through placements in hospitals across the region while continuing to excel on the basketball court. Her journey reflects a commitment to both healthcare and sport as she prepares for a career in nursing.
Although she genuinely enjoyed all of the experiences, “the fast pace and the fact that every day brings a new challenge,” was the selling point for ED.
Not surprisingly, the demanding nursing role doesn’t come without its challenges. Exams can be tough and workloads heavy, but Kate finds that it all pays off when you can apply the knowledge on placement.
Basketball has been part of her life since age three. “My mum coached my older sister, and I was always around the court wanting to join in.” Getting out on the court also helps Kate manage the stresses of the job and studies. “When you’re on the court, you can switch off from everything else and just play,” Kate reflects.
Although she’ll give anything a go, team sports are her preference, pushing each other to achieve and working towards a shared goal.
Kate’s skill on the court has long been evident, but one of her highlights this year was leading The DkIT women’s basketball team to their first-ever All-Ireland national title by winning the NBCC College Division 3 Final, where she was named Most Valuable Player (MVP). Representing Ireland at the European championships in 2019 has been her proudest achievement to date.
She credits her mother’s drive and her father’s unwavering support for her success.
She has really enjoyed her experience so far as a DkIT sports scholar and says the support and facilities at DKIT have exceeded her expectations. Kate previously spent a year in the United States on a basketball scholarship, studying at a small college near the New Hampshire in Massachusetts border, where, despite the demanding schedule, she loved the close-knit environment and made lifelong friends.
Although she has stepped back from National League basketball to focus on her course, she now plays for her hometown club and coaches an under-16 boys’ team. She is also part of a triathlon club and GAA team. “Most days involve some form of training, Sunday is usually my only day off,” she says.
Balancing it all is no mean feat, but it is one Kate takes in her stride.
“I just try to manage everything as best I can. If something is important to you, you’ll make time for it. It’s also important to recognise when your body is fatigued and respond accordingly.”
As she looks to the future, Kate hopes to continue playing basketball for as long as possible, regardless of what level. In terms of her career, she would love a role in the Emergency Department but has hopes in the long run of becoming an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in minor injuries. Beyond that, she’s open to wherever her career takes her.
