Knifton has forged her own path in rowing while also adding to the family heritage of Texas Rowing.
Kate Knifton was born two miles away from Texas' campus, where her parents and grandparents on both sides graduated. Her father, Matt Knifton, rowed and was a captain for UT Crew throughout his four years of college and hoped his daughter would someday do the same.
Growing up, The University of Texas inundated the younger Knifton's life, but as a teenager, she wanted to forge her own path. Dance, swim and volleyball were her sports of choice, but never rowing.