Name: Katie (Johnson) Ranne
Years competed: 2002-2005
Year graduated: 2006
What did you accomplish at Arizona and as a GymCat? I feel my greatest accomplishment as a GymCat was helping the 2002 team make NCAA Nationals (the last time the team has qualified). We edged out ASU to qualify, and it was one of the most exciting moments of my career. I was also named Pac-10 Freshmen of the Year, which was completely unexpected, but truly an honor.
What have you been up to since graduation? I married my college sweetheart and moved to Los Angeles where I worked in sponsorships for one of the World's largest sports and entertainment companies, Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG). I even received a Stanley Cup ring while working with the LA Kings in 2012! We then moved to Oklahoma City where my husband worked for the OKC Thunder and I worked remotely in sponsorships for Alaska Airlines and started my photography business. Just over a year ago, we decided to move back to Los Angeles and I am now the chief entertainment director, sports coordinator, head chef and chauffeur for my two young boys, Andrew and Luke (AKA a stay at home mom).
How do you feel Arizona helped you grow as a person? Arizona taught me what it was to be the best teammate you can be. As a gymnast, you spend most of your life competing for yourself. At Arizona I learned what it was like to compete for the GymCat team, the University, the city of Tucson and the state of Arizona. I learned to always put the team first and do what was best for the group.
Are you still involved in gymnastics? What do you miss most about the University of Arizona? Other than taking my son to My Gym, no, I am not involved in the sport. I am of course a huge GymCat fan and look forward to February when the team comes to Los Angeles! I mostly miss the team camaraderie that I experienced during practice, traveling, and competitions. There is nothing like being a college athlete, and I thank my lucky stars every day that I got to experience it with some of my very best friends!
What about Arizona stood out to you when being recruited? No snow. Simple as that! I had lived in Minnesota for 18 years and I was ready to become a snow bird. Aside from the sunshine, I also loved the team, coaches, sports facilities and campus.
What do you miss most about being a student-athlete? I miss the team camaraderie. I loved training with my best friends every day and coming together as a team to compete against some of the very best gymnasts in the country.
What are some of your favorite memories at Arizona and with the GymCats? My first meet when we competed in Hawaii (and unexpectedly won), qualifying as a team for NCAA Nationals, Senior Night, and all of the fun times and laughs we had while traveling the country with great friends and teammates.
What advice would you give to current GymCat athletes? Enjoy every moment, every practice, every flight and every competition. Live in the moment and put 110% into everything you do. I know it is cliché, but the four years go by so fast, and they really are the best years of your life!
