Kathy was a three-year letterwinner in volleyball. During her junior and senior seasons, she was voted team MVP and Best Offensive Player while also being named to the All-Region and All-State Tournament teams. In 1992, she was a member of the undefeated state championship team (33-0) and was named Miss Volleyball. She also set the school record in serve reception and aces and was selected as the United States Marine Corp Distinguished Athlete of the Year. After high school, she went on the play for the University of North Dakota from 1992 to 1994 and then finished her collegiate career at the University of Mary from 1995-1996. During her time at Mary, she was named to the NDCAC All-Conference teams in 1995 & 1996.