Women In Sports Media: Katie Hnida

Katie Hnida is a pioneer in the world of sports, being the first woman to play and score points in a NCAA Div. I footballball game.

Katie's football career began at Chatfield Senior High School in Littleton, CO, where she played varsity football for four years. As a senior, she was named Colorado Sportswoman of the Year as well as Teen People Magazine's "Number One Teen Most Likely to Change the World."

After high school Katie attended the University of Colorado, where she became the first woman to make the team and dress for a national bowl game. Katie eventually left Colorado and attended the University of New Mexico where she played three seasons. On August 30, 2004, she kicked two extra points vs. Texas State to become the first woman in NCAA history to score in a Div. 1 game. Her shoes and uniform are in the College Football Hall of Fame.

In 2005 Katie spoke out publicly about the sexual harassment and rape she endured at the University of Colorado. She has become a prominent speaker on violence against women. In addition to speaking, Katie is also the author of "Still Kicking: My Journey as the First Woman to Play Division I Football," published by Scribner in 2006. Her writing has appeared in publications such as People Magazine and Cosmopolitan.

Katie has appeared as a guest on numerous television shows including Larry King Live, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS This Morning, ESPN and Catherine Crier Live and has been featured in various magazines and newspapers including Time, Sports Illustrated, Glamour, People, Marie Claire, The Boston Globe, The New York Times, USA Today and The Washington Post.

Katie has continued her football career, most recently becoming the first woman to play professional arena football with the Ft. Wayne Firehawks in 2010.