Katherine Starr
Founder & President | KStarr Enterprises
Austin, TX, UNITED STATES
Expert Witness - Sexual Abuse and Harassment in Sports & Youth-Serving Organizations.
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Biography
Katherine Starr is a renowned two-time Olympian, acclaimed author, and passionate advocate for the safety and rights of minors and athletes. In 1986, she won two silver medals at the Commonwealth Games. Katherine experienced success at the collegiate level in swimming for the University of Texas, participating on three NCAA championship teams and named 14-time All-American.
Katherine’s groundbreaking memoir, Rescue Me: A Powerful Memoir by an Olympian, not only details her inspiring journey through the world of elite sports but also highlights critical issues surrounding abuse in youth-serving organizations and sports programs.
Beyond her athletic achievements, Katherine has become a leading voice in addressing and combatting abuse in sports and youth-serving organizations. Her advocacy work has included significant collaborations with the Department of Justice, where she has been a key figure in shaping and advancing reforms related to Title IX and athlete and youth prevention programs.
Katherine has acted as an advocate for all youth-serving organizations and athletes involved in coach-athlete sexual abuse, athlete-on-athlete sexual abuse, cyberbullying, sexual hazing, and many other forms of abuse and sexual assault.
Katherine’s expertise and dedication have made her a sought-after global public speaker. She has been featured in prominent media outlets such as ESPN, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, where she has shared her insights on improving safety and accountability in youth-serving organizations and sports.
In addition to her media presence, Katherine has made substantial contributions to the field through her role on the Advisory Board for the Center for SafeSport. She is also the founder of Safe4Athletes, an initiative designed to offer valuable resources and protective policies for parents, athletes, administrators, and youth-serving organizations. Safe4Athletes provides comprehensive guidelines and training to ensure a safer environment for young athletes.
Katherine has opined on over 25 high-profile cases related to sexual abuse in youth-serving contexts, influencing legal outcomes. Her educational efforts extend to coaching, athlete training, and administrative practices, where she works to implement best practices and foster a culture of safety and respect.
Industry Expertise (4)
Legal Services
Public Policy
Sport - Amateur
Sport - Professional
Areas of Expertise (3)
Title IX and Sports
Sexual Abuse
Bullying and Harassment
Accomplishments (1)
Olympian (personal)
2 x Olympian 1984 and 1988 (Great Britain) In 1986 she won two silver medals at the Commonwealth Games. Katherine experienced success at the collegiate level: swimming for the University of Texas, participating on three NCAA championship teams and being a 14-time All-American.
Education (2)
University of Texas, Austin: BA, Sociology and History 1993
University of Texas - Austin: B.A, Sociology & History
Deans List
Affiliations (1)
- ATIXA
Links (1)
Languages (1)
- English
Event Appearances (2)
How and Why to Protect Athletes from Sexual Abuse, Bullying and Harassment
Long Island Sports Commission symposium Long Island, NY
2012-04-17
How and Why to Protect Athletes from Sexual Abuse, Bullying and Harassment
Southwest Trainers Conference Dallas, TX
2012-07-20
Sample Talks (1)
How and Why to protect athletes from sexual abuse, bullying and harassment
Advocate for athlete welfare where every athlete is provided a safe and positive environment free of sexual misconduct, bullying and harassment 1. Advocates for and helps sports organizations adopt effective policies, procedures, and educational programs that prevent sport leader and peer misconduct whether it be sexual, bullying, harassment or other forms of inappropriate behaviors. 2. Assists sports organizations faced with situations involving sex
Style
Availability
- Keynote
- Panelist
- Workshop Leader
- Author Appearance
Fees
Articles (1)
I Was Sexually Abused As an Olympic Athlete Too. We Can End This Epidemic.
Fortune.comKatherine Starr
2017-10-19
The article *I Was Sexually Abused As an Olympic Athlete Too. We Can End This Epidemic* sheds light on the pervasive issue of sexual abuse in elite sports, recounting the personal experience of an Olympic athlete who endured such trauma. It explores the systemic failures within sports organizations, where a culture of silence and prioritization of achievements over athletes’ well-being allows abuse to persist. The author advocates for a shift in priorities, urging for transparency, accountability, and survivor-centered reforms to ensure the safety of athletes. Through this compelling narrative, the article underscores the urgent need to dismantle the structures enabling abuse and to build a supportive environment where athletes can thrive without fear.
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