Christensen heads to Carroll for track and basketball
Carroll College bound Katelyn Christensen guards St. Regis's senior Baylee Pruitt during the recent District tournament. Pruitt is bound for Providence College in Great Falls. (Chuck Bandel/VP-MI)
For the past several years Katelyn Christensen has been a Hot Springs High mainstay and standout athletically and academically.
Last month she was recognized for that kind of dedication to learning and sports when she signed a scholarship letter of intent to attend Carroll College in Helena where she will participate in track and field and basketball.
Christensen most recently helped lead her beloved Hot Springs Lady Savage Heat to a third place finish in the Montana Western 14C conference District tournament.
She is also a skilled volleyball player with a rocket-like serve and return.
Athletics aside, she is also an outstanding student which accounts for her combined academic/athletic scholarship to Carroll of the NAIA Frontier Conference.
“I haven’t decided on a major yet,” she said recently. “I’m not exactly sure what type of career I want to do and want to take some time finding what works for me”.
Christensen said she is looking forward to attending Carroll, where she will join forces with Superior standout Sorren Reese, who also committed to the Helena school earlier this year.
She said she will miss Hot Springs High after graduation and one more year on the school’s track team where she excels at the javelin.
“I’ve had a great time at Hot Springs High,” she said. “I’ve had so many good friends and teammates over the years. It changes year to year.”
Her dedication to athletics is evident in the smooth, athletic style she has developed including her ability to be the leader on the court. She credits her high school coaches for always helping her and pushing her to be better.
Prior to leaving town for this past weekend’s basketball tournament, she experienced some memories she will never forget.
“It was kind of bittersweet,” Christensen said. “We were driven through town in our team bus in a parade-like setting. On one hand I was sad my days here were ending and on the other excited for the challenges that lie ahead”.
In her Senior Night program piece, she advised people to “enjoy the moment while you can, push yourself, find a reason to be happy and another reason to make someone happy”.