Valedictorian stars as host of Detroit professional sports

Kara Wolfbauer '23 found her calling behind the microphone as a student at University of Detroit Mercy.

It didn't go unnoticed.

Wolfbauer, who gained valuable experience as a host in Calihan Hall and at the USPBL baseball league in Utica, is now showcasing her voice, talent and enthusiasm in some of Detroit's biggest professional sports venues.

The Class of 2023 Valedictorian is already in her second year as an in-arena host at Little Caesars Arena for Detroit Red Wings games and recently wrapped up a season as the in-park host at Comerica Park for the Detroit Tigers.

There are times when the St. Clair Shores native and former softball student-athlete still has to pinch herself.

"Getting to work for my hometown teams has been surreal," Wolfbauer said.

Already, Wolfbauer has been in the middle of playoff runs and packed venues as part of the gameday experience. Like she did at Calihan Hall during Titan basketball games, Wolfbauer engages with fans of all ages, on the massive videoboards.

She was part of the LCA atmosphere when the Red Wings won in overtime during a drive to the 2024 playoffs that ultimately ended short, and interviewed Tigers players from the field after they clinched a postseason spot at Comerica Park in late September.

"It was so special to see the crowd and the city of Detroit so excited, and to know that I got to play a small part in it," she said.

The journey has also been bittersweet for Wolfbauer, who lost her biggest supporter and best friend in her mom after a battle with cancer during the Tigers' magical season.

"She's the reason I had the courage to go into this industry," she reflected. "After the Tigers clinched, all I wanted to do was call my mom. It was so weird: It was heartbreaking, yet so eye-opening and amazing.

"Moments like that made me realize how special it was to have shared 23 years of moments like that with my mom. Honestly, another blessing of working in the field is that it helps me still feel close to her. She was so proud when I got the job, and I know she's proud and with me every time I get to do something so special."

It was her mom who helped convince her to attend Accepted Students Day at Detroit Mercy as a high school senior. Shortly after arriving at the Briggs Building and touring the Communication Studies department where she would later thrive, Wolfbauer and her mom knew it was home.

"My mom just kept looking at me and said, 'I love this.'"

That feeling of being at home continued as a student on the McNichols Campus, as many at Detroit Mercy guided her in the right direction that ultimately led to a microphone in her hand, internships and the opportunity to gain the confidence being on camera.

From the Athletic Department to the College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences, to the Center for Career & Professional Development and beyond, they were all instrumental in forging the connections that would help define her career path.

"I was fortunate enough to get so much experience at such a young age," she said. "I really mean it when I say that thanks to smaller class sizes at Detroit Mercy, I had more opportunities to get that hands-on experience. Getting to immerse myself in it was the best way to learn."

Now that she's in the professional sports industry, Wolfbauer is enjoying the current path and trying to not get too far ahead of herself.

"I try and stay grounded each day and work one step better toward the job I'm at right now," she said. "I don't want to look too far ahead and miss what's right in front of me. I truly believe as long as I keep talking one step forward at getting better each day, I'll find the right path."

Wolfbauer is thankful that she chose Detroit Mercy for many reasons, but maybe most importantly is because of how much the institution and the people in it care.

"The Detroit Mercy community was such as big aspect of my life for those four years of college, but the most amazing thing is they still continue to support me even now that I'm graduated," Wolfbauer said. "Professors, deans, co-workers, friends, President Taylor and his wife Lechia all still reach out to me and check in. Several of them even showed up to my mother's funeral.

"That's the Detroit Mercy difference, if you ask me. They're here for me for life, and I'll always be here for Detroit Mercy, too."

- By Adam Bouton. Follow Detroit Mercy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. Have a story idea? Let us know by submitting your idea.

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