By Derrick Smith

The high school years of a student’s life can be some of the most important. Not just educationally, but also in the growth of the student. Katie Carney says that something else to help in the maturity of a student is playing athletics and the lessons they learn.

“I think that high school athletics do a good job of preparing kids for life,” she said. “They learn so many lessons about responsibility and being part of something bigger than themselves. I want my girls, biological and the ones that my husband coaches, to always know that I am rooting for them to succeed on and off the court or field.”

Katie and her husband have three daughters in the Hobart school system. Hallie, a sophomore, plays fast and slow pitch softball and basketball. Freshman Josey also plays fast and slow pitch softball and basketball. Mattingly, who is in the third grade, plays softball and shows pigs.

A middle school math teacher, Carney enjoys teaching and making an impact on the next generation. She says that while she loves teaching, sports have a pretty good hold on her life.

“I am super involved with my kids’ sports,” she stated. “I am married to the coach. I keep books for the softball and basketball teams. I like to take the girls to hit, pitch, and shoot and pretend that I am still young. They have since proven to me that I am in fact not young and getting shots blocked is humiliating. I am also a member of the Softball Booster Club and the All-Sports Booster Club.”

Hobart is a great community and Carney is proud to call it home.

“I love the Hobart community and how they support their school programs,” she said. “All of the sports teams, Ag programs, and academic programs are supported not only by the school but the community has a big involvement as well. There is an amazing support system in Hobart.”