Coaches

Ruth Kmak

Now entering her 25th year at the University of Chicago in 2024, Ruth Kmak has led the Maroons to 10 NCAA Division III postseason appearances while compiling a career record of 475-323-2 (.595 winning percentage).


UChicago has also produced six All-Americans and 39 All-Region selections during Kmak's tenure.


In 2023, UChicago compiled a 24-12-1 record and pitcher Paige Heffke was named All-Region.


Kmak earned her 400th career win during the 2018 season - an 8-4 victory against North Park University on April 2.


The 2017 Maroons qualified for the NCAA postseason for the second-straight year. UChicago posted a 26-14 record and three players were named All-Region.


In 2016, UChicago went 27-10 and reached the NCAA Regional final. The 27 wins were the second-most in program history.


Kmak picked up her 300th career victory in 2014 and her squad started the season with a 16-1 record. The Maroons finished with a 25-10 mark that included a trip to the NCAA Tournament.


The Maroons went 26-11 in 2012 and reached the NCAA postseason. UChicago posted a 25-15-1 record in 2010 en route to reaching the NCAA Tournament.


Kmak capped the 2009 campaign by notching her 200th career victory - a 6-2 decision over Hope College - during the season's final week.


In 2007, the Maroons earned their second NCAA Division III tournament bid in as many years. UChicago finished the season with an overall record of 26-11, matching the winningest campaign in school history.


UChicago received an NCAA postseason bid in 2006 after finishing 19-13 during the regular season. The Maroons went 1-2 in regional play, with a victory over eventual regional champion, Coe.


UChicago posted a 23-10 mark in 2003 and earned a berth in the NCAA Division III Midwest Regional, where it was eliminated in the 11-inning championship game. Two years earlier in 2001, Kmak led the Maroons to the NCAA Division III tournament with a school-record 26 victories (26-12).


As interim coach in 1996, Kmak guided the Maroons to the University Athletic Association title with a perfect 6-0 mark. UChicago only participated in the UAA from 1995-97.


Kmak served as an assistant coach at Loyola University Chicago from 1992-95 and 2000, and from 1996-98 was an assistant coach at Ball State University. Both Loyola and Ball State won their respective conference championships during Kmak's tenure at those institutions.


Kmak is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, where she was a four-year letter winner as a shortstop from 1989-92. A three-time All-Midwestern Collegiate Conference first team pick, Kmak concluded her playing career as the all-time assists leader in Notre Dame history. She also set a team record with four stolen bases in a 1990 contest.


In 2014, Kmak was inducted into the Marian Catholic High School Hall of Fame. As a high school athlete, Kmak played on the Marian softball team that won four Girls Catholic Athletic Conference championships from 1985-88. She was also a member of the basketball team that reached the Class AA Sweet 16 in 1988.


Kmak earned a bachelor's degree in English and theology from Notre Dame in 1992.