During her competitive years, Katie excelled both in athletics and academics. At Avon Lake High, she earned recognition as a runner, pole vaulter & diver. As a runner, she was named the SWC cross-county runner of the year in 2004 and SWC MVP twice. Katie competed at the Division I level at the state track meet for four years alternating between cross-country & pole vaulting. In 2005, she was the SWC diving champion & ALHS Female athlete of the Year. Accolades continued at the collegiate level as Katie excelled for the Division I Bradley University track team. Notable highlights include Missouri Valley Conference three time first team Scholar-Athlete and 11 time Bradley student athlete of the week. Katie was an honor roll student for her entire collegiate career.