College-Bound Athlete: Kate DeSousa

Kate DeSousa, a 2022 Glastonbury High graduate, thrived as a high jump specialist for the GHS track and field team and is now leaping to the next level. 
           
“I am very excited to announce my Division I commitment to Bryant track and field,” DeSousa, who will attend Bryant University in Rhode Island, posted on social media. “I am so grateful for all the family, friends, coaches, and trainers for helping me get where I am. Go Dawgs!”
           
DeSousa is no stranger to competition, having competed from a young age in Irish Dance and various other forms of dance, including tap and ballet.
           
She said that dance provided a “good structure” and that it was a springboard for track and field, which became her new competitive obsession over the last four years.      
           
“I just really like competing,” said DeSousa. “There are so many great people on the track team and we have really awesome coaches. It’s been enjoyable to go to practice every day.”
           
DeSousa delivered this spring, placing first in the high jump during a handful of regular season meets before finishing as the runner-up at the Central Connecticut Conference (CCC) finals on May 23 and third place in the Class LL championships on May 31. The Guardians won both the conference and class team titles this spring.
           
In 2021, she placed top-five in the high jump at the state meet during both the Indoor and Outdoor seasons. She also participated in the long jump and triple jump during her tenure at GHS. 
           
Bob Gemske, the jump coach for the track and field teams at GHS for the past nine years, said that DeSousa was consistent and competitive. 
           
“She strived to be better, always,” said Gemske, who added that DeSousa helped mentor the younger girls. “It always helps to have someone who knows the technique really well and she certainly did that.” 
           
In Rhode Island, she’ll be joining a Bulldogs team at Bryant that is led by head coach Mitchell Switzer. Assistant/Jump coach Chandra Kao will be helping DeSousa reach new heights in the field. 
           
DeSousa, who will major in business, said she liked the size of the university, adding, “The campus was really pretty and when I did my overnight I really bonded with the members of the team.”
            She will also have family on campus. Her brother, Will DeSousa, is entering his junior year in Smithfield.