The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1519757
MAY/JUNE 2024 ■ 47 Moments after winning the 100 back- stroke at nationals, Berkoff told ESPN in a poolside interview that she felt "lucky to be surrounded by the best teammates and have the opportunity for my fifth year. It's just been so nice to feel like there's no pressure, and just [being able to] do it for my team." Even before it was over, Berkoff was starting to feel nostalgic about her time as an NC State student-athlete. A na- tive of Missoula, Mont., she had come across the country to Raleigh in 2019 because of the connection she had de- veloped with the coaching staff and the shared vision for her career. She then spent four years immersed in that demanding-but-supportive culture, claiming her first NCAA titles (in the 100 back and 400 medley relay) as a sophomore. Her strong ties within the program were among the reasons why she didn't think twice about using the extra year of eligibility that the NCAA handed out to athletes affected by the COVID shutdown in 2020. She could have moved on to the professional ranks but instead chose to add another chapter to one of the great athletic careers in school history. "It's very different swimming for yourself professionally," Berkoff said, reflecting on her decision to spend one more year in Raleigh. "It's just a lot easier to swim for a team, and I wanted to extend that for one more year. It really was a no-brainer for me." Berkoff is now focus- ing on the long-course season and preparing for the U.S. Olympic Trials, which will take place June 15-23 in Indianapolis. It'll be her second appearance at the trials, having previ- ously competed in 2021 for an Olympic berth. Berkoff didn't qualify for the team that went to Tokyo that year, finishing fourth and eighth, respectively, in the 100- and 200-meter backstroke events. It was a deep disappointment, one that Berkoff admitted took months to put behind her. But now she's back in contention for a spot on the team that will head to Paris for the 2024 Summer Games. Having learned from hard experience three years ago the importance of long- course training, she's hopeful about her chances. "The Olympics," she said, "have been the lifelong dream." Berkoff's other dream is to return to her home state when her competitive swimming career is over. She picked up her bachelor's degree in microbiology last year and has been working toward a master's degree in fisheries, wildlife and conservation biology. She doesn't yet have a specific career in mind, but in a state with 15 designated wilderness areas covering 3.5 million acres, the op- portunities figure to be plentiful. "I thought it would be a good field to go into and bring me back home," Berkoff said. "I want to live in Montana when I'm done swimming. I'm trying to get into something that would be rel- evant there. Microbiology doesn't re- ally translate over, so it's an interesting combination of degrees, but I like it." For now, Berkoff is focused on her Olympic pursuits and is grateful for the role that NC State played in helping her get where she wants to go in the sport. "I feel lucky just to have had the op- portunity to be here for five years," she said. "I feel like I wouldn't have been ready to be done last year. This year feels like a bonus round." ■ Katharine Berkoff By The Numbers Katharine Berkoff leaves NC State as one of the most decorated athletes in school history. Here's a look at her accomplishments at the national and ACC levels: NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024: 100 backstroke (48.55) 2022: 100 backstroke (48.74) 2021: 100 backstroke (49.74), 400 medley relay (50.07 backstroke leg, 3:25.09), 200 medley relay (23.27 backstroke leg, 1:33.18) ALL-AMERICA HONORS 2024: 50 freestyle, 200 freestyle relay, 100 backstroke, 400 medley relay, 100 freestyle 2023: 100 backstroke, 50 freestyle, 100 free - style, 200 medley relay, 400 medley relay, 400 freestyle relay 2022: 100 backstroke, 50 freestyle, 100 free- style, 200 medley relay, 400 medley relay, 200 freestyle relay, 400 freestyle relay 2021: 100 backstroke, 50 freestyle, 200 back- stroke, 400 medley relay, 200 medley relay, 200 freestyle relay, 400 freestyle relay 2020: 100 backstroke, 200 backstroke, 800 free- style relay, 200 medley relay, 400 medley relay ACC CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024: 100 backstroke (48.70) 2023: 100 backstroke (49.45) 2022: 100 backstroke (49.41) 2021: 100 backstroke (50.45) 2020: 100 backstroke (51.64), 400 medley relay (51.32 backstroke leg, 3:27.22) NATIONAL AWARDS • U.S. National Team member (2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23) • Honda Sport Award finalist (2022) • Academic All-ACC Team (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) • College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association Scholar All-American (2020) PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE ATHLETICS