Every choice in life will result in the outcome of what is to come. For Katrina Christian, rising to the occasion is second nature. At 6, Katrina (also known as Kat) started playing ball and fell in love with the game by the time eighth grade approached. The two people that were a huge part of Christian being involved with the game include her grandfather and her AAU coach, Steve Springer. During her high school career at Crothersville, Kat was a four-year varsity letter winner in basketball where she made an immediate impact. From making All-Conference in freshman season for both basketball and track to leading Crothersville to their first Sectional Title in basketball in school history, Kat would collect IBCA Small Schools All-State, honorable mention All-State honors her senior year.

Katrina would start her collegiate career at Eastern Illinois, where she would play one game against Evansville before transferring to Lake Land after one season. During her time at Lake Land, Christian helped 15th-ranked Lake Land to a 24-8 record. Katrina would go on to play for three years for Roger State University (RSU).  After 3 years at RSU, Katrina transferred to Langston University where she played three games for Langston before tearing her achilles which would lead to ending her career. After 6 years of playing college ball, Christian retired. Currently, Katrina is a coach for Oklahoma Christian where she sees the impact of developing players as individuals through the sport.  

When it comes to being a student-athlete, academics are just as critical as athletics. Balancing both the books and basketball was second nature for Katrina as she always valued hard work. Christian explains how prioritizing was a key factor in balancing the books and sports. “The one thing I will say is that you have to prioritize,” Katrina states. “As you mature, you realize priorities have to come before anything else.” Christian saw the hard work pay off as she was named to the MIAA Women’s Basketball Honor Roll at RSU. As a Communications major with a concentration on radio and television, Katrina sees the significant connection between her major and basketball as it has helped with networking, being able to lead both on and off the court and branching out to different avenues that will build more opportunities for women in and out of sports.  

As women’s basketball continues to grow, Christian sees the sport develop every day. “We have girls coming up that can really change the game and the generations to come,” Katrina emphasized. Christian sees women’s basketball making moves not just on the court, but off the court as athletes are able to elevate their voice in important topics such as social issues, raising awareness beyond the court, and finding identity and confidence in and out of sports competition. While she is coaching at Oklahoma Christian, Katrina sees herself as much more than a coach and pursues her faith at every turn. “My sport (basketball) has been just one way to glorify Him (God),” Christian states. “Basketball is my ministry.”

“Choose a place that fits you!” That is the advice that Katrina recommends to future athletes that want to take their talents to the next level. Christian adds that regardless of the division level, find somewhere that will invest in you and your ability to play and represent the program. “Don’t just look at the facilities and what you can get out of them,” Katrina states. “You want to feel at home, welcomed, and cared for,” Christian emphasizes making sure the school is the right fit. “Do not stay at a school if they are not the right fit. There is nothing wrong with transferring.”

Family provides the support that an athlete always cherishes. For Katrina, she credits her mother, Jessica as she describes her as the “strong rock,” a best friend, and a helpful guide in her life. “She (Christian’s mom) has been a huge help and has been able to guide me through the ups and downs,” Katrina states. Another person in her life that Christian credits as a role model is her father, Chris. “Since I was a newborn, he (Chris) has raised me to be confident in myself and never give up,” Christian exclaims. “I love them so much!” Katrina also acknowledges her whole family back in Indiana as they inspired her as the woman she is. “They have made me and made me better as a woman,” Christian states. “I would be nowhere without their support and love.”

Katrina’s story shows what it means to preserve through the storm and rise up. When asked what stands out about her and her story from the rest, Christian explains it with confidence: “This is my testimony in a short version. I lost focus during my freshman year of college, which was in 2017. I lost track of priorities and I wasn’t with a staff who truly invested in me or my mental health. I invested in things off the court because I couldn’t find my love for basketball anymore. I got pregnant and lost a baby. I spiraled and struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts for years afterward.” Despite the losses and injuries that Katrina experienced, she continued to pick up the ball and still worked at getting better with her game. The year 2019 would change Katrina’s life as her grandfather passed. Christian In August 2020, Katrina found her faith in God and her entire outlook on life changed. “The biggest thing I can give those who read this is to trust in God and have faith in His plan for your life,” Christian exclaims. “Find people who can mentor you, be a home away from home, find community, and be active. Never let anyone silence your voice or story. You are stronger than you think.” Katrina points out the God-given talents that provide something more than just a sport and motivate others to continue to show up every day, even during days that are not mandatory, and continue to stand strong. “Most of all, you are much more than an athlete. You can and will make it through and remember you are loved,” Christian states.  “I’m here today. Katrina Christian. 24 years old. July of 2023. Sharing with you my story when I never thought I’d make it here. I did.”

To learn more about Katrina and her story, follow her on Instagram: katrinaachristian