Class of 2007

Kathry Arizabal, or Katy Born as she was known at Defiance High School, was a four-year pole vaulter for the Bulldogs, qualifying for state on two occasions and placing both times. Her career was capped off by a state runner-up finish her senior year.

In 2004, Katy was sixth in the WBL and third in the districts to qualify for Division I regionals. A year later, she won the WBL and district championships and finished seventh in the regionals, breaking the school record with a vault of 10-2.

As a junior, Katy was WBL champion and district runner-up, going on to finish third at regionals and sixth at state. In the process, a school record vault was set at 11-feet, one-quarter inch.

In Katy’s senior year, she won WBL, district and regional championships leading up to the state runner-up finish. Katy set, and still holds, the Defiance school record vault of 11-4.

At DHS, Katy also participated in theater, choir and DECA. Prior to participating in track, she competed in gymnastics.

Katie received her Bachelor’s Degree in Sports and Health Sciences in 2014 and is currently working at Overhills High School teaching Earth and Environmental Science. In addition, she is coaching pole vault.

Katy’s husband, Joe Arizabel, is in the U.S. Army and they have four children, Joey 17, Olivia 13, Ryan 11 and Ava 9.