“With all the adversity, Katie remained positive and challenged herself to continue to improve as a runner. Katie shows up every day positive and ready to give it her all.”

Aaron Strand

Head Coach - head coach of O’Gorman High

Athletic Excellence

The 5-foot-2 senior finished second at the Division AA state meet this past season with a time of 18:24.94, leading the Knights to the state team title. Castelli won all seven of her races prior to the state meet, including the Heartland Preview and the Metro Conference Championships. She was a two-time All-State selection at St. Viator High in Arlington Heights, Ill., before moving to Sioux Falls in the middle of her junior year.

Academic Achievement

Castelli has maintained an A average in the classroom. She has signed a National Letter of Intent to run cross country and track at Santa Clara University this fall.

Exemplary Character

Castelli has volunteered locally as a youth running coach, and she has donated her time to multiple community service initiatives through her church.