Oswego East Student Athlete of the Week: Katherine Malm

Diving into our next student athlete of the week article we’re highlighting junior diver Katherine Malm. Her coach, Ryan Pentzien, felt that she exemplified the E.A.S.T. (Excellence, Academics, Spirit, and Tradition) values in her sport, academics, and personal life.

Malm has been diving since her freshman year and plans to continue into her senior year. She is a two- time conference champion and two-time sectional champion, while also placing inside the top five at the state meet the past two years.

Coach Ryan Pentzien feel’s that Malm’s overall dedication to the sport has contributed greatly to the team’s success as she is always there for her teammates.

“Katie is always the first one in the water, and encourages the other divers to rise to their best ability,” Pentzien says. “She has been a fantastic teammate and motivator, bringing a positive attitude to practice every day.”

While swimming has provided Malm with a great support system and many friendships, it has also taught her to be more supportive. Even though Katie started her swimming career fairly recently, her parents, Curtis and Jen Malm, have already noticed how she has grown as a result of the sport.

“She always tries to get to other Oswego East sporting events to cheer on her schoolmates,” her parents said. “Overall swimming has helped her become an extremely well rounded person.”

Her parents recall a specific time when Katie’s selflessness and compassion really showed. Malm had a rough meet this year when she had an unsuccessful dive and her parents were surprised by her reaction after.

“Instead of being upset or down she said to us after the meet, ‘it’s unfortunate that I had that happen but, did you see that Mia (her teammate) won the meet? I’m so happy and excited for her.’”

Malm recognizes how her teammates are always encouraging each other to do better and are always happy for each other's successes.

“We all push each other very hard to reach our goals. It is a great atmosphere to be in and you are always motivated to be better,” Malm said.

Katie is not a stranger to the team dynamic as she has also been a gymnast for 10 years now. She is part of a competitive gymnastics team that trains year-round. In total, Malm trains nearly five hours a day, 6 days a week for both sports during the fall.

While this schedule may seem overwhelming, Malm’s parents credit her rigorous schedule with teaching her valuable lessons about time management.

“Being a student athlete has helped Katie to understand balance,” her parents said. “She needs to prioritize all aspects of her days in order to get everything accomplished which will help her after she graduates.”

As a multi sport athlete, Katie has faced many struggles and injuries. However, one of the good things to come out of her injuries was a new passion for sports medicine and athletic training.

“I've had three surgeries and had to go to therapy for all, but the people there inspired me to keep pushing in my sport and not hold back, these experiences also inspired me to pursue sports medicine,” Malm said.

Throughout her school years, Malm has also been largely inspired by her teachers and has also considered pursuing a career in elementary education.

“My teachers had a large impact on my life and inspired me to be a better student, and I would love to do that for other students,” Malm said.

Even as a junior, Katie’s impact has already been felt around the school. Throughout her senior year, she only has room to improve. If you want to cheer on Malm and her teammates be sure to attend their sectionals meet Saturday Nov. 9 at Neuqua Valley High School.

Written by East Senior, Jordan Fikis, Editor in Chief of the OE Howl student publication.