2024 Female Comeback Athlete of the Year: Katie Switzer
UK HealthCare Sports Medicine is proud to present the 2024 Female Comeback Athlete of the Year Award. This year's recipient is Katie Switzer, a senior from Nicholas County High School in Carlisle.
Two Comeback Athlete of the Year Awards — given to one male student-athlete and one female student-athlete — are presented annually to young people who have overcome illness or injury that affected their ability to participate in sports sanctioned by the Kentucky High School Athletic Association. Athletic trainers from across Kentucky review nominees submitted to the KHSAA, and recipients are determined based on their sportsmanship, ethical behavior on and off the field, and academic standing.
Congratulations to Katie on being this year's female recipient!
About Katie
Katie Switzer plays basketball, volleyball, golf and tennis.
As a young child, Katie’s right leg had to be amputated below the knee. But she’s never let that slow her down from pursuing her athletic dreams.
Katie was adopted at 4 years old and her family quickly discovered she was bound to be a fierce competitor.
With the aid of a prosthetic limb, Katie began playing basketball at age 5 and quickly excelled. She played a key role in the Lady Jackets’ overtime win in the finals of the 10th Region All “A” Classic in January.
Nicholas County Coach Greg Letcher calls Katie “an inspiration to all of us.”
About her experience with team sports, Katie told the Lexington Herald-Leader: “All the sports I’ve played have completely broadened my view on things, and it’s made me who I am today because I have made so many friendships ... It’s not just about playing time. … It’s about people, too.”
Katie plans to attend Western Kentucky University and major in exercise science. She hopes to earn a master’s degree in orthotics and help develop prosthetics like the ones that have helped her participate in sports her entire life.
Read more of Katie's story from the Lexington Herald-Leader.
