NGWSD Spotlight - VTSU-Johnson Head Athletic Trainer & SWA Kate Harney
The North Atlantic Conference (NAC) is proud to recognize and promote the 39th annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD), a nationwide celebration co-founded and powered by the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF) and supported by its team of champion athletes. The event inspires girls and women to participate in sports, stay active, and realize their full potential. The confidence, strength, and character gained through sports are the very tools that empower girls and women to become strong leaders in both athletics and life. The WSF enters 2025 energized after commemorating its 50th anniversary throughout the past year.
As part of this year’s celebration, the NAC will recognize four women serving in prominent roles at their respective conference institutions with “Spotlight” features on the conference website. Our third subject is Kate Harney, the Head Athletic Trainer and Senior Woman Administrator at VTSU-Johnson.
Kate Harney is in her third year at Vermont State University Johnson, where she serves as the Badgers’ Head Athletic Trainer and Senior Woman Administrator. Previously, she worked at the University of Illinois Springfield, where she was an Instructor of Exercise Science, and at Norwich University, where she held the position of Instructor of Health Science and Assistant Athletic Trainer.
Harney earned her undergraduate degree in Athletic Training from Stony Brook University, where she excelled as a student-athlete on the women’s swimming & diving team. As a senior, she served as the team captain and represented her peers as the America East SAAC representative. Her academic and athletic achievements were recognized with the Senior Scholar Student-Athlete award.
Harney continued her education at Adelphi University, completing her master’s degree in Physical Education while also competing as a member of the women’s swimming & diving team. She concluded her swimming career with impressive performances at the NE-10 Conference Championship, securing a top-8 finish in the 100 free and a top-16 finish in the 50 free. Additionally, she was part of three school record-holding relay teams.
During her second year of graduate school at Adelphi University, Harney served as the assistant coach for the men’s & women’s swimming and diving teams, showcasing her dedication and leadership. She graduated with distinction, earning the prestigious Gary Barrette Award in Physical Education, which honored her as an exceptional graduate student in the field.
A native of Flemington, N.J., Kate attended Hunterdon Central Regional High School, where she excelled as a three-sport athlete in soccer, swimming, and softball. She set three school records across two sports and was honored with the Bradshaw Coaches Award. Her journey into sports medicine began in high school after tearing her ACL, an experience that inspired her career path.
How old were you when you started playing sports and what sports did you grow up playing?
Sports have always been a centerpiece to my life. I started going to my dad's adult league softball games at a week old. At three, my parents had me on skis. At five, I was in soccer and baseball. At seven, I joined my first summer league swim team. I've continued playing those sports since then. I was always a part of my ski club. In high school I was a varsity athlete in soccer, swimming and softball. I chose to swim in college and grad school. Notice, tennis is not on this list.
Where did you go to college and what sport did you play there?
I swam for Stony Brook University in undergrad and Adelphi University in grad school. I also coached Adelphi's team in my second year of grad school.
When did you realize you wanted to have a career in sports?
I always knew sports needed to be a part of my life. I started coaching summer swimming when I was 13 and never wanted to stop. I think in college when I became our America East SAAC rep for Stony Brook, that really made me think about working in college sports. I loved that SAAC had a voice and was a part of the NCAA process.
Can you share some insights into your career journey and the path that led you to your current role?
I originally wanted to be a PE teacher, but after tearing my ACL, I discovered a passion for athletic training - and I ended up pursuing both. I earned my undergraduate degree in Athletic Training and a master’s degree in Physical Education. My coaching journey began with my local summer swim team, and I was hooked! While in grad school at Adelphi University, I worked as an assistant swim coach, which not only fueled my love for coaching but also helped pay for school (highly recommend!).
After graduating, I landed a job teaching PE for grades 6-12 at Stowe Middle/High School, where I also served as the Athletic Trainer for all their teams. However, the demands of balancing both roles led to burnout, and I transitioned to teaching at Norwich University while filling in for their athletic training staff.
Next, I moved to the University of Illinois at Springfield to teach, but I quickly realized how much I missed being part of athletics—and Vermont. After just nine months, I found myself longing for the mountains again. One day, I opened the NATA job board and saw an Athletic Training position available at Johnson. Greg Eckman, in true Greg fashion, offered me the job during the interview. Not long after, he named me Senior Woman Administrator and Head Tennis Coach. My Ted Lasso moment came to an end when I helped find someone who actually knows how to hold a tennis racket.
What is your favorite sports memory?
I think a favorite moment is really hard to identify, but maybe it's best explained by what I miss the most. I miss the pasta parties. I miss sitting on the pool deck playing cards. I miss eating dinner with my teammates. I miss standing at the end of the lane cheering them on or counting for them. I miss them. But I'm lucky enough to work in a place where I get to see my student-athletes making those memories for themselves. That's probably my favorite part of my job.
Who was one of your female sport role models growing up?
I was really lucky and extremely grateful to have had amazing women coaches and athletic trainers my whole life.
The History of NGWSD
National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) began in 1987 as a special day in our nation’s capital to recognize women’s sports. The day united premiere organizations and elite women athletes to bring national attention to the promise of girls and women in sports.
In the beginning, NGWSD served as a remembrance of Olympic volleyball player, Flo Hyman, for her athletic achievements and dedication to promoting equality for women’s sports; Hyman died of Marfan’s Syndrome in 1986. NGWSD has since evolved into an event to acknowledge the accomplishments of girls and women in sports, the positive influence of sports participation and the continuing struggle for equality for women in sports.
Annually, schools and community-serving organizations host over 300 grassroots events across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. with an estimated reach of 200,000 girls and women.