Born in
Tucson, Arizona, Balko graduated from
Canyon del Oro High School in nearby
Oro Valley in 2004. As part of the team that won the
2006 Women's College World Series, Balko helped the Wildcats into the finals by helping drive in a run off National Player of The Year
Cat Osterman on June 2. In the championship finale on June 6, Balko had two hits including a double and drove in 2 RBIs for the school's sixth title. For the
2007 Women's College World Series finale, Balko tallied a hit against 2007 National Player of the Year
Monica Abbott as the Wildcats defeated Tennessee 5–0 on June 6. Balko singled in her last appearance on May 31, 2008, in a loss to the
Alabama Crimson Tide at that year's World Series. In January 2008, Balko was named to the watchlist for USA Softball National Player of the Year. Balko is also a World University Games member and an Olympic Camp Tryout Invitee. Balko was signed as an undrafted
free agent by the
National Pro Fastpitch team
Washington Glory, and had her debut for the team in June 2008. After a few months on the term, she returned to Tucson. In January 2012, Balko became Alumni Letterwinners Development Assistant with the University of Arizona athletics department. She later became Senior Director of Regional Development. ==Personal life==