Though Katie has only been at Augustana for 2 terms so far, she already made a name for herself on our campus. In the past indoor season, Katie has been a part of two school records being broken at nationals and was recognized as a member of the All-Midwest Region team, meaning she was ranked in the top five in her individual event. Katie’s time in the 400 meter dash clocks in .57:39 and is the fastest in Augustana school history. Though Katie didn’t place in her individual event of the 400 meter dash at nationals, she was a part of the 4×4, which ended up ranking 7th in the nation with a time of 3:53.87. Aside from her much respected accomplishments on the track, Katie is an overall great person, friend, and teammate.
What’s your major? What made you choose that field of study?
My major is Psychology. I chose psychology because it is a stepping stone before going on to a Master’s program in Occupational Therapy.
What brought you to Augustana?
After spending the last six years in Montana I decided moving back to the Quad Cities to be around my family sounded like a good idea. While looking into schools in the area, I heard Augustana had a great track program and after visiting campus and seeing everything this college had to offer, I was sold.
What are your events in track?
I run the 200m, 400m,4x100m, and 4x400m.
How did it feel to bring down not one, but two school records?
I felt a combination of shock and pure happiness knowing all my hard work over the last seven months was finally paying off.
What was your experience at nationals like?
Upon arriving at Nationals I felt a sense of disbelief that I was really there. I wanted to make my coaches and teammates proud, but I couldn’t help but feel nervous at the thought of competing against the fastest woman in the nation. When it finally came to race time, I realized there was nothing to be afraid of. The gun went off, my natural instincts kicked in and I ran my heart out. Ultimately, it was such an honor to not only run with my relay but to make history by being Augustana’s first 4x400m relay to become All-Americans. Both the experience and memories will stick with me forever.
What motivates you?
A lot of things motivate me but the goal of unlocking my full running potential definitely helps me through the ups and downs. I believe that if I invest 100% into my dreams it is only a matter of time until they become a reality.
Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?
In five years I would like to be working full time as an Occupational Therapist.
What are some goals you have for yourself?
I want to be an All-American in at least one event at both indoor and outdoor Nationals every year until I graduate. After I graduate from Augustana with my Bachelor’s degree I want to earn my Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. I also want to learn how to play the guitar over the next few years.
Who inspires you?
People in my life who have invested in me and helped me reach my potential. The main ones being my grandma, my high school track coaches, and my current coaches at Augustana.
What’s an interesting fact about you?
I have been in the Army National Guard for close to six years now.
What do you like to spend your time doing when you’re not running?
I really enjoy traveling, listening to music, hiking, and learning new things.
If there was a movie made about your life, who would you want to play you?
I would choose Emma Stone for three of the following reasons: We both have birthdays in November, she can pull off red hair and last but not least she is well versed in switching back and forth from being a comedian to being serious.
What is your life motto?
“Adapt and overcome” is a motto I hold near and dear to my heart. The older I get the more I realize life is going to continually try to force me to give up in one area or another, it is my job to keep my chin up and find a way to stay resilient. By staying resilient, I can overcome any obstacle life tries to throw my way.