Sue Bow Kolczak was a four-time All-America selection on Rock teams coached by Dr. Richard “Doc” Hunkler and joined her former mentor in the 28th group of individuals inducted into the SRU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.
Kolczak left an indelible mark upon The Rock women’s water polo program when she earned All-America honors at three Indoor Nationals and one Outdoor Nationals competitions.
Upon completion of her collegiate career, Kolczak was named as a member of the U.S. women’s national water polo team in 1977. She and 1991 SRU Athletic Hall of Fame/2003 CWPA Hall of Fame inductee Lynn Comer Kachmarik (SRU Class of 1979) were the first women from the East region to earn a spot on the national team roster. That team ultimately became the first U.S. national team to win a FINA World Cup championship. For her role in the championship effort, Kolczak earned All-World honors.
In addition to being a standout in water polo at SRU, Kolczak played junior varsity basketball her freshman year, was a three-year member of the women’s swimming team and served as assistant coach for the men’s swimming team in her senior year.
Kolczak’s competitive juices did not dissipate upon completion of her water polo career. She competed in the 1986 Chicago Marathon and 1987 Detroit Marathon and has won several 10K running, golf club and slalom ski championships. She also volunteered as a walking scorer for seven PGA Western Open golf events as well as the 2003 U.S. Open.
Kolczak graduated cum laude from Slippery Rock in 1977 after her undergraduate studies and went on to earn a master’s degree from SRU in 1982.
A physical education teacher, Kolczak and her husband, Dave, reside in Valparaiso, Indiana.
