Susan Katchpole ’70

Susan Katchpole ’70 attended Bridgewater State College after Ursuline, majoring in education, where she was an accomplished athlete. Upon graduating, she played semi-professional softball with the Drifters. She came back to Ursuline Academy to coach and teach physical education for four years from 1974–78, where she helped develop the school’s athletic program at a time when girls’ sports were just coming into their own. Susan then spent 38 years at Fontbonne Academy where she initially coached several sports and taught health and physical education. She went back to nursing school at night to get her nursing degree and left Fontbonne to pursue a nursing career, eventually returning as the school nurse while continuing to teach. Her students were her passion. She inspired young women to become leaders, and instilled in them the values of integrity, courage, and the importance of creating solid relationships. With a unique combination of strength, humor, and compassion, she dedicated her life to supporting hundreds of young women. Her outside interests included golfing, fishing, and saving wild animals whenever she had the opportunity! Susan Katchpole passed away on February 27, 2019, after a valiant battle with cancer, but left a legacy that continues to impact high school athletics today.