Daviess County track and field now has a familiar face taking over the reins of the program, as former Panther Catherine Steele has been hired as the head coach.
“I am thrilled to be the new head coach of the track and field program at DCHS,” Steele said. “The DC Track and Field program played a huge role in my life throughout middle and high school and I’m looking forward to giving back to the program.”
Steele’s track and field experience dates back to middle school, where she started throwing shotput and discus in sixth grade. As a seventh grader she began practicing at the high school level, before competing in enough events her eighth grade year to earn her varsity letter—and kickstart her five-year track and field career.
Currently teaching at Daviess County High School, Steele jumped at the opportunity to coach at her alma mater. Especially after a colleague suggested the idea, knowing that she was looking to get more involved in a sport she’s loved.
“I’m excited to continue growing the team and to be a part of giving students the same opportunity to be a part of the DC Track family that I had,” Steele said. “High school sports are such a great opportunity for kids to develop sportsmanship, confidence, and even lifelong friendships. Some of my very best memories from high school are from track practices and track meets.”
Steele is new to coaching, as this her first official job in the field despite having helped at past meets and practices for the Panthers. She said there will definitely be challenges along the way, but has Tiffany and Josh Bratcher as assistant coaches that have helped adjust to the learning curve.
Catherine is looking forward to helping continue to build a program that helped shape her as a person, confident that she will be able to make a positive impact on the Panthers student athletes.
“If I had to narrow it down, I would say I’m most looking forward to continuing to grow and improve as a program, as well as the opportunity to be a positive role model and mentor for the kids I’ll be coaching,” Steele said. “My high school track coach definitely helped me to become a better person both on and off the track and I hope I can have that same impact now that I’m coaching.”
With track and field being a sport with so many different and diverse events, Steele said that being a team can get lost in the process sometimes. Catherine said that the mental side of the game and teamwork will be key throughout her tenure as head coach, as the Panthers will look to find sustained success starting in 2023.
“I think for a track team to truly be successful there has to be a rock solid sense of teamwork and team spirit across the events,” Steele said. “It can be easy to get caught up in your own event and forget that your teammates are out there competing in a different one, but I want to encourage my athletes to support each other whether they’re running a 200-meter dash, competing in triple jump, throwing shot put, or anything in between.”
