Basketball Star Stephanie Karcz
Leaves Her Mark at Loyola University
26 OCTOBER 2020 | TheJournalNJ.com
BY LES PIERCE
In 2020, basketball standout Stephanie Karcz wrapped up
her playing career at Loyola University. Although she will
not return to the hardwood next season, her exploits will
not soon be forgotten.
The Middletown resident posted fantastic stats through
her four years playing for the Greyhounds. However, she exploded
in her senior year and gained national prominence
when she topped the entire NCAA Division 1 in both steals on
the season (150) and steals per game (5.17). A team player at
heart, Karcz was initially unaware of her national ranking.
“I wasn’t aware I was leading the nation in steals until
one of my coaches (Jenna) sent me a screenshot after a game
and told me the news,” said Karcz. “It was such an incredible
honor to hold onto that title for the duration of the season,
especially because of all the talented girls that were in that
category. It was a major accomplishment for me because defense
has always been something I have prided myself on
throughout my years of basketball.”
This past season she was one of just three players nationally
who achieved multiple triple-doubles. She posted the third
triple-double of her career with 13 points, 10 rebounds and 10 steals
in a win over Dartmouth on Dec. 31. On Jan. 18, she notched another
triple-double and with 13 points, 12 boards and 12 steals in a victory
over Army West Point. The 12 thefts in that game were the most by a DI
player in 2019-20.
The southpaw incurred a severe injury to her left hand in her senior
year. The team trainer crafted a splint that enabled her to continue playing.
In spite of the handicap, she averaged 11.6 points, 9.4 rebounds
and 3.6 assists per game. She led the team in scoring and was third in
the Patriot League in rebounds.
Karcz demonstrated she would be an impact player immediately,
landing a varsity starting role in her freshman year. She averaged 11.4
points per game and led the squad in rebounds with 6.4.
She earned Patriot League “Rookie of the Week” accolades four
times and was named to the Patriot League All-Rookie Team. She was
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fensive Team. In her sophomore season, she recorded the program's
10 assists. She became the second player in program history to record
more than 100 steals in a single season and set the school record for
steals per game average (3.7).
As a junior, she broke Loyola and Patriot League single game records
for rebounds, snatching 22 in a game against Navy. Her 22-rebound performance
was ninth best in NCAA Division I for the 2018-19 season.
Karcz leaves behind collegiate career numbers of 1,258 points
(ninth all-time at Loyola), 1,071 rebounds (second), 390 assists (fourth)
posted 30 double-doubles and four triple-doubles.
She was named to the All-ECAC First Team (2019-20) and was
twice selected to the All-Patriot League First Team (2017-18, 2019-20).
Photo by Larry French/Courtesy of Loyola Athletics
She took Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year honors two times
(2017-18, 2019-20) and was rostered on the Patriot League All-Defensive
Team all four years.
“Stephanie Karcz is one of the most competitive players I have ever
had the pleasure of coaching and certainly one of the best defensive
players as well,” exclaimed Loyola Head Coach Joseph Logan. “What
makes Stephanie special on the basketball court begins with the person
simple to see that she was a great basketball player and would have an
immediate impact in our program on the court. As I got to know her and
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mility and love of teammates. We were the fortunate program that she
decided to commit to, and she lived up to every expectation. She earned
every accolade that she received on the court, but I will always remember
her for things no one could see. Her playing with a broken hand
most of her senior season, her ability to build relationships and impact
all of the children where she student taught, her community service and
commitment to team over individual are just a few! She is a hall of fame
player but even more a hall of fame person who I will miss coaching.”
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out the entire process. I never really liked to focus mainly on my own
accomplishments; rather, I always preferred to focus on games and
accomplishments which I was grateful for, as well as their help along
the way. They constantly pushed me to be the best player I could be.”
Karcz played high school ball at Middletown High School South
and was instrumental in the Eagles claiming three consecutive CJ
Group 3 titles and one overall NJ State Group 3 championship. She
was named to the APP All-Shore First Team and All-State First Team by
NJ.com in her senior year.
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