Berea College

Katie Collins joined the Mountaineers for her first season as an Assistant Coach prior to the 2024-25 season, specializing in the hurdles, high jump, and sprints.
“I am very excited for the addition of Katie Collins to our track and field staff," Coach Michael Thomas said. "We have a talented group of young women and men hurdlers and jumpers who will learn much from Katie’s expertise and continue the program's success in that event area."
In her debut 2024-25 campaign, Collins made an immediate impact, helping lead the women’s program to the 2025 HCAC Indoor Track & Field Championship title. Under her mentorship, the Mountaineer sprinters and hurdlers accounted for several podium finishes, contributing essential points to the team's historic victory. During the outdoor season, Collins coached multiple athletes to All-Conference honors, including Ashyia Maddickes in the high jump and a standout performance by the women’s 4x100m relay team. Prior to coaching at Berea College, Collins spent five years coaching at the high school level with Berea Community, Madison, and Floyd County Schools.

Personal & Educational Background:
Collins is a 2020 graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, where she earned a Bachelor's in Biomedical Sciences with minors in Psychology and Chemistry. She competed in indoor and outdoor track and field for the Colonels for four years, primarily specializing in hurdle events. Collins has since established a career as a public school teacher and earned her Master’s in Education.
A Kentucky Appalachian native, Collins has competed in track & field for 15 years. Her mission is to positively impact lives by fostering an environment where athletes can grow both on and off the track, just as her coaches did for her. Outside of coaching, her hobbies include running, hiking, crafting, cooking, and reading.
 
 
Awards:
·                 HCAC Coaching Staff of the Year, Women, Indoor 2025