Hi, Katie here - or “Collins,” as my teammates and friends called me in college. I swam distance freestyle for Penn State, always the first one in the pool for practice and the last one out. Looking back, I laugh because maybe it was a sign—things just tend to take me a little longer.
I graduated in 2000 with a degree in Health Policy and Administration and moved to San Diego, where I took my time figuring out life. Seventeen years later, I met my person and got married at 42. No kids, but my husband and I have two cats who are, without a doubt, the most spoiled pets on the planet.
I had the incredible opportunity to meet my business partner, Abby Thomas, and with her help, I’m now living out a dream - creating a clothing line with flattering cuts, high-quality materials, and everything made in the USA. But ABIGAIL COLLINS is more than just a brand. It’s about building a community of women who support each other in everything they strive to be.
Welcome to “Beyond the Game”
This monthly blog is a space where I hope to share experiences, stories, and insights that extend beyond sports, beyond school, and into the moments that shape who we are. Whether it’s career moves, friendships, lessons learned (sometimes the hard way), or building something from the ground up, this is where we’ll connect, reflect, and hopefully have some fun along the way. And from time to time, my business partner, Abby, might hop in to share her own stories and perspectives - because building ABIGAIL COLLINS has been a journey neither of us could have done alone!
The Power of the Penn State Alumni Network
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that Penn State’s alumni network is one of the strongest in the world. No matter where you go, there’s always a Penn Stater nearby - ready to lend a hand, share a story, or make a connection. It’s something truly special, something that goes way beyond just cheering our team on Saturdays.
After graduating in 2000, I moved to San Diego and spent the next 25 years navigating career moves, life changes, and everything in between. Through it all, my Penn State swimming friends kept me grounded. We stayed in touch, celebrated each other’s wins, and showed up for each other when it mattered most. Those friendships reminded me just how much community matters and that no matter where life takes you, Penn State always feels like home.
That’s the magic of our alumni network. It’s not just about where we went to school; it’s about what we carry with us from it. It’s about opening doors for the next generation, making sure the women coming up behind us have even more opportunities than we did. It’s about walking into a meeting, an event, or even a coffee shop and instantly recognizing a kindred spirit just by the way she wears her blue and white.
That feeling is what sparked the start of Abigail Collins. Every time we had a swimming reunion - or even just a football Saturday - I struggled to find Penn State clothing that actually felt like me. My choices were either a 25-year-old t-shirt or the bedazzled one I bought that arrived two sizes too small. I knew I couldn’t be the only one struggling to find cute and flattering Penn State clothing. That’s why we created Abigail Collins - to fill that void and finally give Penn State ladies collegiate apparel they want to wear.
So this month, I encourage you to reach out to another Penn State Lady Lion - whether it’s a friend, a mentor, or someone you’ve been meaning to connect with – grab a coffee, have lunch or drink wine over zoom. And if you’re wearing Abigail Collins while doing it, even better. Because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about: elevating each other, strengthening our connections, and carrying that Penn State pride wherever we go.
For my next blog: “What I Wish I Knew.” It’s been a wild ride, and I can’t count how many times I’ve said, “If only I knew.” My hope is that by sharing my experiences, maybe you’ll find yourself saying “if only I knew” a little less.