Retirement for Kathi Nolan means more time to coach Hudson Valley athletes
Dutchess coach retires from one job but stays with Special Olympics New York
By Randy Robertson, Hudson Valley Regional Storyteller
Poughkeepsie, NY – If all of the people impacted by Kathi Nolan over the years held hands, they might just stretch clear across the famed Walkway over the Hudson bridge in Poughkeepsie. That’s the kind of outsized significance that Nolan has had in the Hudson Valley Region since the 1970s.
In her professional work assisting individuals with disabilities and in her extensive coaching career with Special Olympics New York, Kathi Nolan has given her time and talents for the betterment of countless people and families.
“Kathi is one of those very rare people that devoted the best years of her life to a cause that she truly believes in,” said Ellen Pikula, Director of Program in Hudson Valley for Special Olympics New York. “Her name is synonymous with Special Olympics in Dutchess County. She has impacted thousands of individuals through both program and development events.”
On September 9 and 11, Coach Nolan will lead her Dutchess Hurricanes softball squad into competition against Coach Nancy Bellini and the North East Westchester Special Recreation team. The first game will be played in Bedford Hills, the following game in Hopewell Junction.
“One of our assistant coaches uses the public address system to announce all the players’ names and they line up on the baselines before the game,” Coach Bellini said. “As each athlete comes to bat for either team, we announce their name too. We really make it extra special for all of them.”
Both coaches commented that these annual games are competitive yet friendly.
“Lots of our athletes know players on the other team,” Coach Nolan said. “They’ve become friends over the years, so they really enjoy playing these games.”
It won’t surprise anyone that Coach Nolan is as eager for these games as any of the players. After all, she’s been playing and coaching softball since her days at John Jay Senior High School.
“I played catcher in high school,” Coach Nolan recalled. “I always loved catching because you’re right in the middle of the action on every pitch.”
As a teenager Nolan wasn’t one to stand around and watch, and she maintained that active mindset ever since. Nolan attended Dutchess Community College and then SUNY-New Paltz, where she once got an opportunity to teach a Water Safety Instruction class. It was a transformative moment for young Kathi.
“Teaching that class was an experience that really shaped me,” Nolan recalled. “It gave me the confidence that I could teach and lead others.”
Nolan, who had a cousin born with a developmental disability, soon gravitated toward Special Olympics New York and the Arc Greater Hudson Valley. The Arc is an organization that provides support to individuals with disabilities.
Nolan retired over the summer after working the past 37+ years at the Arc. When asked how many people she supported and helped find jobs over the past four decades, Nolan hesitated. Not only were there too many to count, but many of them came through multiple times and also worked with Nolan’s colleagues.
While Nolan is stepping away from her day job, rest assured she will continue to find herself in the middle of the action. She works for Abilities First, where she provides Community Habilitation support to individuals with disabilities. Also, she never considered leaving her coaching duties at Special Olympics New York.
“People keep asking me if I’m retiring from coaching,” Coach Nolan said. “I tell them I’m not going anywhere. I’m still going to coach. In fact, if anything I’ll have more time for coaching now than before.”
Over the years Coach Nolan has won Hudson Valley Coach of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards, and she has coached practically every sport that Special Olympics New York offers. She’s looking forward to continuing that kind of dedication to the athletes across the Hudson Valley Region. That was exactly what athlete Nicole Wojnar wanted to hear at a recent bowling practice. Wojnar took a break from knocking down pins to express her gratitude for Coach Nolan.
“She’s the best, she’s a friend and she’s like family,” Wojnar said.
When Wojnar and the rest of the Dutchess Hurricanes take the field on Sept 9 and 11 for the softball games, Coach Nolan will be right where she wants to be in the middle of the action. Only her trips to play the slot machines come anywhere close.
“I do enjoy monthly trips to the casino,” Nolan said. “Special Olympics is my healthy addiction. I love coaching the athletes, seeing them improve and get better. Special Olympics has a very special place in my heart.”
SHARE THIS: