Katie Pickford graduated from Sterling High School in 2003. While in high school she earned four varsity athletic awards in track and field and three for swimming and diving. In her senior year, Katie was elected captain of both her swimming and track teams. She was selected to the NCIC All-Conference First Team for all four years in track. Katie finished third at the state meet in pole vault in 2001, seventh in 2002, and eighth in 2003. She was named to the Track & Field All-State First team in 2001 and 2002. In swimming, Katie captained both the 2001 and 2002 teams. She also was a member of the conference and sectional championship teams. Katie continued her athletic career at Western Illinois University where she competed in track and field. She was selected captain of the 2006-2007 team. She was an NCAA Track and Field regional qualifier in the pole vault and was the Mid-Continent conference champion in the pole vault in 2006 and 2007. She at one time held the WIU school indoor record in the pole vault for 12'8" and once held the outdoor record of 12 feet as well. Katie was also the recipient of many academic and other school awards. She was very active in various service and charitable organizations and activities. She graduated from Western in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in biology. Katie now lives in Burnie, Tasmania, Australia, where she teaches 9th grade math and science. Katie spends her free time participating in sporting clubs, kayaking, and hiking.