23-year-old Hellgate graduate and returning Olympic medalist Katharine Berkoff was recognized during the changeover at the home volleyball game on Sept. 10. 

Berkoff is a 2019 graduate of Hellgate High School, and during her time at Hellgate, she won many swim awards, some still present today.

She holds swim records at Hellgate in freestyle, backstroke, and freestyle relay. After she graduated Hellgate she went on to North Carolina State where, to no one’s surprise, she excelled as well. 

Aside from the massive accomplishment of being an Olympic gold and bronze medalist, Berkoff has many notable accomplishments in her young life. 

According to the Team USA website, she came in first in the 2024 NCAA Championships in 100-yard freestyle and backstroke. She placed second in the 400m medley relay, 800m freestyle, and 200m medley relays for NC State.

She is also a five-time NCAA champion and has won a total of 10 medals (3 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze). 

This athleticism, and winning spirit, seems to be a family trait.

Her dad, Dave Berkoff, was a swimmer as well. He attended Harvard University, and he swam for their team, where he was coached by Joe Bernal. During his time there, Berkoff had two NCAA championships, and he became Harvard’s first NCAA Champion since 1960. He competed in the 1988 and 1992 Summer Olympics, and won gold in four events. He broke the world record for backstroke three times. In the 1988 Olympic Trials, Berkoff beat the standing world record twice with a time of 54.95 and a 54.91, and again in the 1988 Olympics with a 54.91.

Katharine Berkoff came in second at the Olympic Trials, securing her place in 100m backstroke in the 2024 Summer Olympics. At the Olympics, she won a bronze and a gold medal, both of which she brought with her to the volleyball game. Berkoff attended North Carolina State University where she won her third national title in the 100m backstroke, as well as being the first woman in ACC history to get five national titles in the same event. She is the 24th swimmer for NC State to make it to the Olympics, and she holds the record for the fastest time in seven events in NC State history.

Hellgate is so proud of Katharine Berkoff for all her accomplishments! 

Phenomenal photos taken by Hellgate junior Slade Jones of Kathrine Berkoff at the Hellgate Volleyball game on Tuesday Sept. 10th