Extraordinary Alum: katie marta (ba ’02)
Studies at Loyola
Marketing major, psychology minor
A Major League Dream Job
“I’m at Wrigley Field around the greatest baseball team in the world.” Marta coordinates the Seventh Inning Stretch, the National Anthem singer, and the First Pitch at all Cubs games.
Best Job Perk
“Getting to walk around Wrigley Field every day and go into the club house and get to know the players. I’ve been a ridiculously huge fan for so long that it’s surreal sometimes.”
Rubbing Elbows
Marta has met Scottie Pippen, Michael Keaton, Brady Quinn, and many other stars.
Best Celebrity Pitcher
“Eddie Vedder threw a mean curve ball. He’s really good friends with Kerry Wood, so Kerry went out there and caught the first pitch.”
Favorite Players
“It was Michael Barrett, until we traded him. [Carlos] Zambrano is like a big kid. He’s a lot of fun. Also, Scott Eyre, Ryan Dempster, Ted Lilly, and Sean Marshall. They’re all really good guys.”
On the highs and lows of being a Cubs fan this season:
“The great part about clinching the division this year was that I felt so much a part of it. The pure elation when they clinched was really indescribable. When we lost the playoffs, that ‘floating on air’ feeling of the previous couple weeks just vanished. That game sucked the life out of me.”
There’s always next year
“I still consider the 2003 playoffs some of the greatest memories and best feelings of my life. . . and that was before I had this incredible job!”
Lessons Learned at Loyola
“Stay true to yourself. I feel like Loyola kept me very grounded. How youtreat others comes back to you.”
How to Land the Job of Your Dreams
“Don’t stray from what you believe in and what you really want to do. Keep shooting for it.”
April Specht (BS ’01)