LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) – From the volleyball court to holding court for the media Monday afternoon, Katie George, the new Miss Kentucky USA is still the same girl -- just with more makeup and a sparkling accessory.
"I never thought that I would be a beauty queen or in a pageant for that matter wearing a crown," she said with a pearly white grin on her face. "This is crazy! I don't look like this on a daily basis. I'm sure you know that. I wear a business bun on top of my head and I sweat like a boy!"
It was just two months ago that Katie decided to compete in the Miss Kentucky USA -- her first pageant ever. She saw it as an opportunity to move towards her dream career as a sportscaster.
"Recently I've learned and I've researched broadcasters in television, whether it's in sports or if it's in news, and I've found many have used pageants and their state competitions as a platform to springboard to get into the industry," she explained.
So Katie traded out her jersey for an evening gown, her tennis shoes for stilettos and, the University of Louisville volleyball player began setting up for a whole new gig.
"Well two months ago I decided to do it and I said I'm broke -- I'm a college student so let's recycle as many outfits as possible," she said. "So my dress that I wore, my evening gown, was my prom dress from senior year! I just made sure it still fit!"
It's that easy going personality and competitive edge from volleyball that Katie thinks gives her an advantage on stage and will hopefully carry her to win the Miss USA pageant in a few weeks.
Well, and Katie admits, maybe a few other tweaks.
"It's just kind of learning the ropes of the pageant. From there, it's just, I guess eating healthier?" she said laughing along with the media in attendance. "I eat a lot! I'm an avid eater."
The Miss USA pageant takes place at Trump National Doral Miami Resort in Doral, Florida on January 25.
