Kate Powers & The Path to Kentucky

Kate+Powers+holding+a+shot+put+before+the+first+Track+and+Field+meet+of+the+2022+season.+Kate+Powers+will+compete+as+a+Hiller+for+a+final+time+this+season.+Nothing+ventured%2C+nothing+gained+as+my+father+says.+Nothing+is+impossible+with+a+little+hard+work%2C+Powers+said.+

Kate Powers holding a shot put before the first Track and Field meet of the 2022 season. Kate Powers will compete as a Hiller for a final time this season. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained as my father says. Nothing is impossible with a little hard work,” Powers said.

Kate Powers, a current senior at Hopkinton High School, recently committed to the University of Kentucky for Division 1 Track and Field.

Having pursued Track and Field for roughly four years and six seasons, Powers is one of the top athletes in Massachusetts. She not only holds the Massachusetts state record for throwing, but is also a USATF National Champion, USATF All American, New Balance All-American, New England Champion, and Massachusetts Champion. Powers was also a crucial player in the Hopkinton High School Varsity Division II State volleyball championship win this past fall.

With being such a highly decorated athlete, there were many schools interested in Powers.

“I had looked at Northeastern, Brown, Yale, Tufts, Ohio State, Williams, Boston University, and Cornell,” Powers said. 

With larger SEC and BIG10 schools, Powers had a lot to think about when picking the right fit for her.

“Ultimately, Kentucky had the best combination of athletics and academics for me,” Powers said. “I felt like I fit in with the team [the] best there. They had amazing facilities and everything I would need to succeed there.”

Powers is nothing short of success. In previous years, Powers went undefeated in the TVL for throwing the shot put. The twist, however, is Powers went undefeated while throwing with her non-dominant arm due to elbow surgery.

Overall, Powers has competed in the shot put, weight, hammer, discus, and 100 meter. She has also competed in the 55 meter as well as high jump for indoor track in previous seasons. 

A versatile and utility athlete, Powers sticks to a consistent training schedule.

“I normally throw three or so times a week and lift the other two or three days but it varies depending on my meet schedule,” said Powers. “ I lift three times a week and on the other two days I am doing explosive plyometrics and footwork drills, I take weekends for rest.”

Powers succeeds with the help of her two biggest support systems, her coaches and family. 

“My coaches put in so much extra time with me, helping me to perfect my craft, especially Coach Donahue and Coach Hall. They travel for throwing competitions just to come and support me,” Powers said.  

Powers also added that “My family is also a huge support system for me. They have always encouraged me to reach for my goals and be as successful as I can. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

Graduating in June, Powers’ track legacy will live on forever at Hopkinton High School.

“I am so excited for the next step of my journey being a collegiate athlete,” Powers said.