College of Saint Benedict

Whether on an oval track or running through the woods, Katy Deignan McGrane never had an off-season - literally and figuratively.

For four years, Katy began training for cross country during the fall and them moved right into the indoor and outdoor track seasons. One challenge during her collegiate career was that neither CSB or SJU had a track.

Katy graduated Magna Cum Laude from Saint Ben's, received a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education and a coaching certificate in 1993. Before choosing CSB, Katy graduated from Monroe High School (Wis.) in 1989.

Katy was an NCAA Division III Woman of the Year in 1993 and an All-American in both cross country and track and field. While at CSB, Katy received the three most prestigious honors an athlete can earn; Presidential Award in 1993, Athlete of the Year in 1992, and Rookie of the Year Award in 1990.

As busy as Katy was with running, she never stopped when it came to extra-curricular activities. She participated in VISTO as a Big Sister, and was a Sunday school teacher at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Katy was also a member of CSB/SJU Education Club and an Eurcharistic Minister at St. John's University. 

Even with all these activities, Katy still maintained a 3.9 grade-point average. Katy earned the Audery Erkine MMU and Alliss Scholarships and was on the Dean's list. She was an Academic All-American in 1993.

Katy credits her coaches and parents for the skills she learned that contributed to her academic and athletic success.
Katy is married to husband, Brian, and they live in Bloomington, Minn. with their three children Peter, Molly and Joey. As of 2000, Katy was an assistant coach for the Edina girl's cross country team and head coach of the Edina girl's track team.