An interview with Katie Krall, CSCS
For as long as she can remember Katie Krall has been involved in some form of athletic endeavor. Whether it was figure skating, speed skating or track & field, Krall was constantly keeping herself active.
She had no other choice.
With a figure skating coach for a mother and a house full of competitive sisters, it was all but a foregone conclusion that Katie Krall would become an athlete.
The only issue was this: which sport to choose from?
"My parents were great, they were very supportive and they encouraged me to be a multi-sport athlete," Krall said. "I was a figure skater when I was young, but I was really a tom-boy. I wanted to do something that didn't involve wearing a dress."
And that led her to the sport of speed skating at the age of 10 where she eventually trained under Olympian Bonnie Blair's sister, Mary Polaski. Her passion and aptitude led to a spot on the U.S. National Team and multiple trips around the globe.
Ultimately, Krall returned to her native Colorado Springs where she has found a home as the assistant coach at the NSCA Human Performance Center. In her current role, Krall works closely with athletes ranging from young figure skaters, to college and professional hockey players to the Colorado Springs S.W.A.T team.
Dealing with a diverse group is second nature for Krall who says, "It's what fits me. It all comes very easy and I've always had an interest in helping people."
To stay motivated and on top of her game, Krall keeps a special focus on her continuing education. She draws on the vast knowledge base of the NSCA's 32,000+ membership base and attends as many learning opportunities as possible.
"You have to stay on the cutting edge in this business," she says. "I acquired that from my mother; she is always learning."