STEPHAN, Katie

STEPHAN, Katie. Stephan started competing in the Special Olympics when she was in 7th grade. In 2017 the 30-year-old, born with spina bifida, was the top female athlete in the state of Iowa.

She earned that award at recent Special Olympics games where she competed in bocce ball, bowling, track and field among others. She collected four medals at the game, including two golds in track and field events. It was the top female athlete award that she'll always remember.

Her coach, Mary Sue Green, also sent KWWL this statement about Stephan.

                Katie has been a spark for the team every time she is there. 
                She knows her sports and can yell out strategies and put people 
                in the right places during a game. Her biggest strength is team 
                work. The Dubuque Packers Special Olympics team is so strong on 
                it teamwork.

                This year I put Katie in the running relay 4 x 100. Running you 
                say… she does the 100 in her wheelchair, just like any other athlete 
                on our team. It was a perfect fit. They took first at districts 
                in Eldridge and went to state to run a great race.

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Source:

Hanson, Brad. "Dubuque Special Olympian Named Top Female Athlete in Iowa," KWWL.com. Online: http://www.kwwl.com/story/35562798/2017/6/1/dubuque-special-olympian-named-top-female-athlete-in-iowa