She aspires to pursue a career in journalism, but Katie Hoff isn?t quite sure what she wants to do in that field.
And that is understandable, because Hoff, 17, has even greater goals. She wants to compete in five Olympic Games.
“Whatever comes with those Olympics, comes with it,” Hoff said. “I love the Olympic spirit and representing team USA. I just want to be in it as long as I can.”
With a four-year gap between Olympic appearances, Hoff finds ways to keep motivated, namely in preparing for competitions such as the upcoming National Championships, slated for August in Irvine, Calif.
“It?s a pretty crucial meet because it will determine what you?re going to do for the next two years. So that?s kind of the main focus for now,” said Hoff, who will be swimming the 100-, 200- and 400-freestyle events and the 200 and 400 individual medley events. The 100 and 200 freestyle events will determine the relay teams in this summer?s Pan-Pacific Games.
Despite her high level of success at a young age, Hoff remains focused and dedicated, particularly in her workouts.
“Katie does an outstanding job of coming to the pool every day with something in mind. She has intent in what she does every day,” NBAC coach Paul Yetter said. “That?s one of the reasons why she?s as good as she is, because she has intent with action every day with her swimming.”
And at Hoff?s level, she often works on her own, and exceeds the expectations of the NBAC coaches.
“She?s usually reaching above where I set the bar for her, because her bar is higher than mine at times,” Yetter said.
Hoff?s desire to succeed extends beyond the pool, as she stays close with her fellow NBAC swimmers as a means of assuring she gets proper rest and stays on top of her game.
“She?s definitely someone that I respect a lot,” NBAC swimmer and Fallston High student Courtney Kalisz said. “She?s like my best friend. We have a lot of fun, and we get the job done.”
As for a career?
“I?ll just kind of see where swimming takes me,” Hoff said, with a smile.
THE HOFF FILE
Age: 17
Residence: Towson
Education: Home schooled
Did you know? Hoff recently made a trip to Atlanta to begin taping an instructional DVD with Octagon, a sports marketing firm based in Northern Virginia which also helped build the resumes of Olympians Michael Phelps and Ian Crocker ? Hoff is originally from California, and prior to joining the NBAC, her family lived in Virginia.
