When she took over as head softball coach at Catasauqua, Paige Kogelman aspired developing her team in the same mold as Rough Riders teams in the early 2010s.

Kogelman was an integral part of a Roughies’ team that won a district title in her senior year of 2013, marking the first crown in 32 years. Their title was part of a consistent, 10-year, winning run under former head coach Bobby Thomas.

She has successful roots in her family with brother Anthony Recker, who was a former major league catcher primarily with the Mets, and he is a current MLB network analyst.

Two years after her graduation from West Chester University, Kogelman decided to give back to her program, accepting the head coaching position after Thomas resigned.

Over the past six years, however, Kogelman couldn’t help her team regain some of the past glory, but she viewed it as a learning process. The Roughies finished with their first winning record this past season with an overall 10-10 mark and won a first-round district game.

Kogelman also became a mother of a baby boy last August. She knew her time on the field would be affected.

“Coaching is a full-time job, and as our family is growing, I did not feel I could commit 100-percent,” she stressed. “These girls deserve my all, and if I cannot provide that, it’s simply not fair to them.”

Still, her time as head coach was a memorable one, as she relished the opportunity to work with her father, Kip, who was an assistant coach. Kogelman works as a physician assistant certified (PAC).

“Coaching Catty for the past six years was truly an honor,” she added. “It has taught me so much both in softball and life. It helped shape me into the person I am today. I would not trade that time for anything.

“Having the opportunity to coach beside my dad was an unforgettable memory.”

Overall, Kogelman saw her program evolve.

“I feel like the program has transformed, which was one of the goals that I set for myself when I took over this role,” she said. “The commitment, determination, and passion displayed by the girls on the team over the years is one of my biggest accomplishments.

“Although, I know I could have never done it without them and their families.”

She also has touched plenty off lives on and off the field.

“Coach Kogelman is one of the most influential coaches I’ve ever had,” said recently graduated pitcher Delaney Troxell. “She knew me like the back of her hand, and knew when I needed a break physically and mentally.

“I was able to talk to her abut anything. Paige taught me more than just the game of softball.”

Respected by the softball community, Kogelman hasn’t ruled out a return to coaching someday.

“I loved my time as the Catty head coach,” she said. “Hopefully one day, I have the privilege to return to coaching.”