Grand Rapids, Mich – Walk the halls of the Sturrus Sports and Fitness Center or stroll past the softball field on a spring afternoon, and chances are someone has a story about Mary Takas. She's the kind of presence that transcends job titles—part coach, part caretaker, all heart. For more than four decades, Takas has been synonymous with Aquinas College Athletics. From catching fastballs to building programs, mentoring student-athletes, and orchestrating seamless game days, her fingerprints are everywhere. An AQ Hall-of-Famer, a pioneer, and a steady hand behind the scenes, ladies and gentlemen, I give you, Mary Takas.
A Lifetime of Loyalty
Few individuals have lived out the mission of Aquinas College as fully as Mary Takas. A proud alumna, two-sport student-athlete, groundbreaking coach, dedicated administrator, and eternal Saint, Takas has become a living symbol of what it means to be part of the Aquinas community. Her journey from the hardwood and the diamond to the heartbeat of the athletics department spans over four decades, each chapter written with loyalty, heart, and purpose.
"Honestly, all of them—every single one, both the highs and the challenges—have shaped my story here," Takas said. "Whether it was on the court, in the dugout, in the office, or just walking the campus as a student-athlete for the first time, each season of my life at Aquinas has added a new layer of meaning."
A Humble Beginning and Unforeseen Legacy
Recruited by legendary coach Patti Tibaldi, Mary arrived at Aquinas in 1980. She starred as a basketball and softball player, anchoring the softball team as its starting catcher for four years and earning NAIA All-State honors twice. Her time as a student-athlete would serve as the foundation for a lifetime of leadership and service.
"Patti Tibaldi recruited me—and if you know Patti, you know how persuasive she can be!" Takas recalled. "And no, I absolutely never imagined I'd still be here more than 40 years later. Well… maybe deep down I did, since I came back after being away for 25 years. Aquinas has a funny way of pulling you back in."
Coaching Excellence in Two Arenas
Mary Takas began her coaching journey in 1986 as an assistant for both the softball and women's basketball teams. By 1989, she had taken over as head softball coach, and her impact was immediate and lasting. In six seasons, she amassed a 152-95 record (.615) and led the team to its first-ever national tournament appearance in 1990.
She briefly served as interim head coach for women's basketball in 1991, guiding the Saints to an NAIA national tournament appearance and becoming the only coach in Aquinas history to take two different teams to nationals.
Her coaching philosophy was consistent across sports. "Being fundamentally sound—that's the name of the game," she said. "The principles of discipline, preparation, and respect carried across both. I always emphasized doing the little things right. That's where success begins."
Breaking Through: Takas Leads Saints to Historic National Tournament Berth
One of the most exciting and defining moments of Mary Takas' storied career came when she guided Aquinas to its first-ever appearance in the NAIA Softball National Championship Tournament. Takas described the breakthrough as a true turning point for the program.
The milestone moment began in the district tournament finale, where Aquinas finally defeated perennial nemesis Siena Heights on the road—a longtime hurdle that had kept the Saints from advancing in years past. In a moment of symbolic motivation before the game, Takas gathered the team and led a light-hearted but powerful ritual: burning a Siena Heights t-shirt to mark their readiness to finally break through.
After securing the victory and advancing to the NAIA qualifier, the challenges didn't stop. Heavy rain threatened to derail the next game, but the Aquinas squad pulled together, working through the night to get their field in playable condition. Their efforts paid off when they defeated Cedarville, officially punching their ticket to the national tournament for the first time in program history.
Pitcher Jodi Borowicz played a critical role in the journey, throwing a no-hitter in the district final vs Siena Heights, to help lift the Saints to their historic national berth. The team traveled to Pensacola, Florida, where they made a strong showing on the national stage. Takas called the entire experience one of her proudest moments at Aquinas—exciting, memorable, and a true statement that AQ Softball had arrived.
Cultivating Culture and Character
Whether coaching, mentoring, or managing operations, Takas always focused on building strong people, not just strong players. "Culture takes time—it doesn't happen overnight," she said. "But with every team I coached, I tried to build a foundation on respect, pride, family, dignity, confidence, and being well-mannered."
Her adaptability kept her relevant across generations of athletes. "You never stop learning. Whether it's adjusting to new styles of play, recruiting philosophies, or understanding what today's student-athletes need most—you've got to stay ahead of the game."
A Close Call and a Catholic Connection: A Florida Story to Remember
One of the funniest memories Mary Takas recalls came during a spring break trip to Florida with the Aquinas Softball team. Traveling in two vans, the team pulled up alongside another vehicle—this one packed full of nuns. Excited to see the Aquinas crew, and thrilled by the Catholic connection, the nuns enthusiastically waved at the team. The AQ players happily waved back, but the joy quickly turned to panic as the nuns' car began drifting off the road mid-wave. Chaos erupted in the vans as the Aquinas players started yelling, hoping to keep the well-meaning sisters from veering into danger. Thankfully, the situation resolved without incident, but the memory lives on as a favorite story from the team's many adventures.
A Pillar Behind the Scenes
In 2023, Takas officially stepped into her current role as Manager of Athletic Operations. Her responsibilities include overseeing gameday operations, managing student workers, coordinating facilities and concessions, and ensuring events run smoothly—a massive lift she carries with characteristic grace.
"It's always been about the students," she said. "I love the competition and camaraderie, whether I'm coaching or helping from the administrative side. Our game operations crew takes incredible pride in what they do. That behind-the-scenes teamwork is just as rewarding as what happens on game day."
Mike Ingram, Director of Campus Ministry, shared: "While I've only had the chance to get to know Mary more recently, I can say it has been a true delight to work with her and get to know her more! Whether we are laughing and joking or just giving each other a big hug because we're happy to see one another, seeing Mary is always a bright spot to my day! We as an Aquinas community are truly indebted to Mary's years of dedication and commitment to our students, our teams, and the college as a whole."
A Mentor and Friend to Many
Perhaps Takas's greatest impact lies in her ability to connect with people. Former players, fellow coaches, and students alike speak of her mentorship and warmth.
"Mary is the heart and soul of the Aquinas athletic department," said Ashley Kaman, Assistant AD and Head Coach. "She has a unique way of making every program and athlete feel cared for, respected, and loved. Her loyalty and passion for AQ is visible every day in her work, and we are truly blessed to get to work with her every day."
"Seeing former players and colleagues grow, succeed, and make their mark—whether in sports, careers, or family—is one of the greatest gifts," said Takas. "Many of them are still close friends of mine today. That's the real legacy."
A Surprise at 'The Nelly's'
During the first-ever end-of-year Aquinas student-athlete awards banquet—aptly named The Nelly's—Takas once again stole the show, even if unintentionally. As Director of Athletic Communications Joey Sutherlin addressed the sold-out crowd of Saints athletes, coaches, and administrators, he stunned Takas by suddenly announcing it was her birthday and launching into "Happy Birthday to You." The entire audience quickly joined in, their collective volume hitting a decibel level worthy of knocking the roof off Coach Bo Court.
True to form, Takas didn't miss a beat. With a giant smile on her face, she stood up and began theatrically conducting the impromptu chorus, arms waving and head nodding like a maestro in mid-symphony. The moment became an instant classic—a lighthearted, joyful reminder of just how beloved she is at Aquinas.
Answering the Call Again
When longtime head coach Brad Koch stepped away, Aquinas didn't have to look far for leadership. Takas returned to helm the softball program as interim head coach.
"It was an easy decision because, simply put, it's important to take care of our team," she said. "We have such a great group of athletes right now, and I'm genuinely excited to see what they'll accomplish this year and beyond. I believe this will be a good change."
Brad Koch added, "Mary Takas is certainly a legend at Aquinas. Between her time there as a student-athlete, her early coaching career, her second coaching career, her work as an administrator—there are very few people that have dedicated so much of their time and energy to Aquinas than Mary has and continues to do. Her level of caring for all of the athletes there is unmatched. She works tirelessly to make sure Aquinas College and the athletic department is run with class. I had the privilege of working with Mary for the last several years and have been lucky enough to not only call her my colleague but also a true and loyal friend."
A Legacy of Inclusion and Impact
Takas's influence reaches beyond Aquinas. As Intramural Director in the 1980s, she opened the program to students from neighboring Reformed Bible College—an unheard-of collaboration at the time.
"Coach Tak has done many great things throughout her Aquinas career as a player and coach," said AQ Historian Ryan Wendt. "But her inclusion of a college that no one seemed to want to do anything with is a great testament to her wanting to make sure all college students, no matter the college name, get to experience college life to its fullest. Thanks, Coach Tak, for not only making Aquinas College a better place but also helping other colleges be better too."
A Hall-of-Famer and a Humble Servant
In 2009, Takas was inducted into the Aquinas College Hall of Fame, becoming the first representative from the softball program to earn the honor.
Terry "Coach Bo" Bocian put it simply: "Mary Takas is in the AQ Hall of Fame for her softball AQ career as well as for her years as softball coach and assistant basketball coach. A great worker who always emphasized the positive and a 'let's overcome the obstacles' coaching philosophy. She is loved by the softball alums for always standing up for them and her strength of leadership. I believe she was the first softball representative in AQHOF. One of my all-time favorites."
JV Head Coach Ellie Adams echoed the sentiment: "Tak embodies everything it means to be a Saint. She is fiercely loyal and makes sure her people are taken care of. Her commitment to Aquinas is unmatched. We are truly lucky to have her."
Words of Wisdom
Looking back, Takas shared what she would tell her younger self and those following in her footsteps.
"To my freshman self? I'd say: 'You have no idea what an incredible ride you're about to begin. Soak it all in.' To today's young women? The opportunities you have now are endless—more than we ever could have imagined back then. There are no excuses. Be bold, be ready, and take full advantage of everything that's in front of you."
A Saint Through and Through
Mary Takas has spent more than 45 years pouring her heart into Aquinas College. In return, she's become part of its very foundation—a symbol of tradition, resilience, and love.
She's more than a coach or administrator. She is—and always will be—not just a Saint, but the SAINT.
