Visit from Olympian Katie Ledecky makes big splash with KC-area STEM students
Nine-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Katie Ledecky was in Lenexa on Tuesday to encourage kids to pursue their dreams. Her inspirational message was being delivered firsthand to STEM students in the De Soto School District.
Ledecky, the most decorated female swimmer ever, met with students in the Center for Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) program at Cedar Trails Exploration Center (CTEC) in Lenexa to inspire them to explore STEM careers. Ledecky toured the four-year-old facility, which offers educational opportunities from three specialized strands — bioscience, design, and emerging technologies. CTEC CAPS serves 200 students from Mill Valley High School in Shawnee and De Soto High School in De Soto.
Ledecky, who graduated from Stanford with a degree in psychology, reflected on her own journey. “Education has always been really important to me,” she said. “I’ve loved some STEM subjects right from the start of my academic journey and, in swimming, I think I developed this love of math.”
Ledecky, whose visit was part of her work as an ambassador for Panasonic, the tech company that recently opened the nearby De Soto EV battery plant, spent most of her visit in the bioscience area, working hands-on with students on several experiments. During her time in the lab, she had her blood pressure taken by a student and learned how to take blood pressure herself, fully participating in the experience.
One of the students Ledecky worked with was Ethan Austin, a 17-year-old senior at Mill Valley High School, who experienced the unique opportunity of mentoring an Olympic champion. “It was awesome. I mean, I haven’t really had a celebrity live interaction like this before, but being able to actually sit down and like, work with her and like, teach her how to do things she’s probably never done before. It was very interesting,” Austin said. He guided Ledecky through lab tasks like making food for bacteria and demonstrating aseptic techniques and using personal protective equipment.
Julie Sailors, senior manager for government and community affairs at Panasonic, explained the company’s motivation for events. “As one of our founding principles, its contribution to society, we look for ways to partner with school districts,” Sailors said. She thanked USD 232 and Superintendent Dr. Cory Gibson for partnering with Panasonic and taking part in the visit. “Allowing Katie Ledecky, who is just a great leader and overall inspiring woman, to come into the school district and really inspire kids in STEM especially.”
Sam Ruff, director of post-secondary success, emphasized the school’s mission. “We really believe that high school can be a springboard for student success,” Ruff said. He says the district is partnered with Panasonic to provide additional opportunities for students.
Ledecky encouraged students to pursue their passions: “If you find something that you really, really love, try to be the very best you can be at it, whether that’s in the science lab or in the pool or on the field, or in some other subject or activity.” She also emphasized the importance of mentorship and opportunity, noting, “Teachers… are mentors. They’re the ones that can really set your future path, inspire you to pursue a certain subject, or get excited about a career.”
Speaking to the unique inspiration of the visit, Ruff added, “It’s exciting when you find out someone else has a similar passion than what you have. Some of our students now are going to experience firsthand interaction with someone who is going to potentially spark them to achieve or to move forward with their own interest, and achieve success in the future”
This story was originally published October 1, 2025 at 5:00 AM.