Katie Hnida graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of New Mexico with a degree in Psychology. She is a pioneer in the world of sports, being the first woman to play, and score points, in a NCAA Division One football game.
Katie's football career started at Chatfield Senior High School in Littleton, Colorado where she played varsity football for four years. She was voted Homecoming Queen by her classmates and participated in halftime ceremonies wearing her uniform.
As a senior, she was named Colorado Sportswoman of the Year as well as Teen People Magazine's "Number One Teen Most Likely to Change the World."
While attending the University of Colorado in 1999-2000, Katie became the first woman to make the football team, as well as being the first woman ever to dress for a national bowl game (Insight.com) vs. Boston College.
Katie transferred to the University of New Mexico where she played three seasons for the Lobos. On August 30, 2003, Katie kicked two extra points vs. Texas State to become the first woman in NCAA history to score in a Division I game. Her shoes and uniform are in the College Football Hall of Fame.
In 2004, Katie spoke out publicly about the sexual harassment and rape she endured while at the University of Colorado. She now travels the country, speaking at colleges, women’s groups and other organizations to raise awareness about sexual assault and violence against women.
Katie is involved with a number of a number of organizations that work to combat violence against women, including The Voices and Faces Project and The Joyful Heart Foundation.
Katie is also the author of "Still Kicking: My Journey as the First Woman to Play Division I Football", published by Scribner in 2006. Her writing has appeared in publications such as People Magazine and Cosmopolitan. Most recently, Katie’s work was featured in the book “Note to Self: 30 Women on Hardship, Humiliation, Heartbreak, and Overcoming It All"
Katie currently lives in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, where she recently became the first woman to play Professional Arena football for the Ft. Wayne Firehawks.