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03/21/2019 12:00 AMKatharine Barrett is a lifelong skier with a diverse skillset that helps her succeed in several athletic arenas. This winter, Katharine capped off her high school skiing career by having a great senior season on the slopes.
Katharine started skiing when she was two and then stepped into the competitive circuit six years ago. At Hand, she was a four-year member of the girls’ varsity ski team who served as a captain the last two seasons.
This year, Katharine guided the Tigers to a record of 15-6 and a third-place finish at the Class S State Championship, followed by a fifth-place performance in the State Open Championship. Katharine also played field hockey for Hand and is about to begin her senior season with the girls’ lacrosse squad.
“A big part of my success has been training really hard. I train about five times a week and, when I train, I train like I’m in an actual race,” Katharine says. “Playing field hockey has helped with my leg strength when dealing with the ice and steepness. It also helps get my muscle memory going for winter.”
As her career has unfolded, Katharine has learned that her hard work outside of competition enables her to make strides on the hills. She’s also learned that the bonds on a squad play an integral role when it comes to generating success.
“I’ve grown and gotten stronger physically, and offseason training makes a skier,” Katharine says. “Mentally, you have to know how to incorporate other individuals on a team. Being a captain has definitely helped me become a leader, and I have a great friendship with our other captain Dan Wehrle.”
The early hours and rigorous practice schedule are a lot to take on as a skier. However, Katharine loves the daily grind that comes with competing in such a unique sport.
“Skiing is a different sport from others. I love how you can really show what you can do as an individual,” says Katharine, whose idol is U.S. gold-medal Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn. “You certainly train differently. I’m up at crazy hours to practice, but I feel I’ve grown a true passion for the sport.”
A four-year member of the program, Katharine climbed with the Tigers through their humble beginnings. That long journey gives Katharine an even greater appreciation about what this year’s squad accomplished.
“Being a captain has been really great. I’ve helped build the team from a club team to a varsity sport,” Katharine says. “I really try hard to help make it a team sport. We all cheer each other on in races. The coaches have done a phenomenal job here, too.”
Head Coach John Barrett, who is Katharine’s father, says that Katharine displays steadfast dedication when it comes to mastering her craft. Coach Barrett adds that she’s always looking to her help her teammates improve, while ensuring that the Tigers function as a cohesive unit.
“Katharine has a strong personality and is always positive. She has been ski racing for the Mt. Southington ski team since middle school and competes throughout New England on weekends,” Barrett says. “Katharine has been a constant top performer over her four years on the team. She understands the sport and how to communicate effectively to her teammates about equipment, skills, race course inspection, and how best to ski it for the current conditions. I can count on her to lead a group on the hill during practices and races and make sure that everyone is ready.”
Katharine loves taking Hand’s up-and-coming skiers under her wing. Katharine says that skiing for the Tigers has played a huge part in strengthening her character as a leader.
“I’ve learned a lot from it personally. It’s fun to help the girls that are new,” says Katharine. “Mentally, it’s given me the chance to grow my leadership skills. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without this team.”