2023 Legacy Scholarship Awardees

Hi, my name is Kate Rye and I am an occupational therapy doctoral student at UNLV. My story is like a movie cliche. I grew up in Lake Tahoe, NV as a competitive swimmer. After my first year of college, I transitioned to triathlon but sadly was unable to compete much due to the covid shutdown. Instead, I decided to take on my childhood dream of swimming the 22 miles across Lake Tahoe. Two weeks after this feat, I was hit by a car while riding my bike, suffering from several life threatening injuries such as collapsed lungs, broken ribs, spinal fractures, and a grade 5 liver laceration. With the support of my care team, family, and community I spent the next 6 months relearning how to walk, then run, then bike, then swim. When I returned to school, I was offered a position on UNRs cross country and track team. Upon graduating, I returned to triathlon training where I went on to qualify for XTERRA Worlds and earn my elite license. As much as I love sport and exploring my potential I want to help others explore their own potential as an occupational therapist.

My name is Peter Rifenburg and I’ll be entering my second year studying Adapted Physical Education at The University of Utah in Salt Lake City. As a student athlete it can be a challenging juggling act to balance adequate training, school, work and a social life that comes with attending university, I’m thankful to be apart of a triathlon club that supports me and my endeavors. I’m proud to have come this far in both academics and athletics and look to pursue a coaching role for the University of Illinois Fighting Illini Triathlon Club as I start m doctoral pursuit soon. I’m beyond thankful for all the support through family, friends, and faculty to continue to do what I love each and every day.