“My kids competed against Klaire several times this year, and not only was she an exceptional athlete, she always exhibited exemplary sportsmanship. Klaire is arguably the best female thrower ever in Montana.”

Shawn Ragnerus

Head Coach - head coach of Sheridan High

Athletic Excellence

The 6-foot senior won the discus for a third time and was a member of the winning 4x100-meter and 4x400-meter relay teams at the Class C state meet this past season, leading the Black Hawks to a first-place finish as a team. Kovatch also took second in the shot put at the state meet. At the time of her selection, her personal-best discus throw of 159 feet, 3 inches in April represents a Class C state record and ranked No. 21 nationally among prep competitors in the event in 2021.

Academic Achievement

Kovatch has maintained a 4.0 in the classroom and graduated as her school’s valedictorian. She has signed a National Letter of Intent to compete on an athletic scholarship at Colorado State University.

Exemplary Character

The student council president at Seeley-Swan High, Kovatch was a two-year student trustee for the Missoula County Public School Board. She has volunteered locally as a youth ski coach and basketball referee.