From 74 Points to 1,000 and Beyond

Above: Hurynowicz (Number 10) came a bit closer to 1,000 career points when she made this shot in November against Wellesley College.

Women’s basketball star Katie Hurynowicz ’25 leads by example on and off the court. In January, she achieved a rare milestone.

Photos by Frank Poulin

Resilience and dedication have defined Katie Hurynowicz ’25’s college basketball journey. On January 13, the guard/forward achieved a rare feat, scoring her 1,000th career point during the Lancers’ 58-34 victory over Mount Holyoke College. 

Hurynowicz had a tough start as a collegiate athlete. With her first season cut short by COVID, she managed only 74 points. Sophomore year, she scored 255, and from there, her numbers skyrocketed: 440 as a junior and 399 as a senior, bringing her four-year total to 1,168. “She worked extremely hard to accomplish this goal,” said women’s basketball coach Karen Tessmer. “She is an excellent leader and sets the example for all her teammates in work ethic, commitment, loyalty, and passion.”

Hurynowicz—a Communication Sciences and Disorders major whose goal is to work as a speech pathologist—spoke with us about her accomplishment.

What brought you to Worcester State, and to basketball?

Hurynowicz is among the best in the league.

When I stepped onto campus, I loved the sense of community. It made my decision so easy. My family brought me to basketball: I have three older brothers, and they all played. My dad and mom played too. I was born into it, and I fell in love with it.

This was your second time reaching 1,000 career points. The first was at Tyngsborough High School. What was the transition from high school to college basketball like for you?  

My first full season—my sophomore year—was difficult. Most Division III athletes were the best in their high school and are used to playing the entire game, but then you come to college and that’s how it was for everyone else on your team, too. I didn’t get the playing time I thought I deserved—which, looking back, I know I didn’t deserve. 

Now you’re one of the best in the league and a two-time MASCAC All Conference Player. How did you do it? 

I listened to Coach and followed her advice, even though at times I didn’t like to hear it. I put in the work in the offseason to get into college shape, so I could go up against bigger, stronger girls. And that paid off.

Can you tell us about the moment on January 13 when you got your 1,000th point?

I had come into the previous game 32 points away and scored 20 in the first half. In the locker room at halftime, Coach said, “Just so everybody knows, Katie is 12 points away.” The jitters were there for sure. I ended up with 10 more that day—two short. The next game, I just let it come to me. I was relaxed. It actually happened on a free throw, which is how it happened for me in high school, too. It was a full-circle moment, and my whole family was there.

You’re a leader on your team. What do you strive for in that role? 

I try to lead by example, to be the teammate that I want to have. As a younger player, I always had people on the team I looked up to. I took their words and incorporated them into my game—and into my life. It’s nice for me to now be a teammate someone can listen to on and off the court.

What advice do you have for next year’s new players?

Push yourself and don’t give up. The transition from high school to college is difficult. Some freshmen on my team right now might not play at all. They can look at me and say, “Well, Katie didn’t really play either.” I can give them hope that if they work hard, it does pay off.