A high school junior, Katie has been playing basketball. But last fall after giving the decision considerable thought, she decided to do cross country. She likes both sports and sees them as two completely different sports not to be compared. But there is a challenge in running that she is focusing on now. She hasn't looked back one bit.

She is a mature, charming and well spoken young lady who is an excellent student. She presents a determined young woman who is focused on doing well in her new chosen sport. Here she was at the USA Nationals with collegiate and professional athletes. While she says she was somewhat intimidated, she didn't look it. She looked poised, confident and in control. She will be at the Nike Indoor Meet in two weeks where she will run either the 800 or the mile.

As Katie ran, cheers came from Alice Schmidt on the sideline. Alice is a middle distance runner and senior at North Carolina who had just finished running in the first heat of the 800m. Alice and Katie met at North Carolina when Katie attended a camp and again this fall when Katie visited the North Carolina campus. Neither knew each was running the 800m at Nationals until they saw each other warming up. After Alice ran her heat, she stayed on the sideline to cheer for Katie.

Katie is the second of five girls in her family and the only one in cross country. At least for now, her sisters are into basketball. They come to Katie's meets and are interested in the sport, and Katie has hopes for one or more of them to join her. Katie has the support of her parents. Her dad was with her in Boston.