Before triathlon, Zaferes was active in football, swimming, and lacrosse. She pursued higher education in Physical Education at Syracuse University in New York. She trains with the Joel Filliol Triathlon team in the United States and has been under the guidance of coach Joel Filliol since 2014.

Zaferes values the evolving partnership with her coach. In 2019, she mentioned that while Filliol sets her overall plan, she has become more independent in her training. She appreciates the discussions they have about her training regimen, making it more meaningful for her.

Memorable Achievements

One of Zaferes' most memorable achievements is winning the 2019 World Triathlon Series event in Bermuda. She executed the race perfectly and shared the victory with her family, making it a special moment. This win was significant as she had fallen short of some goals the previous year.

In 2019, Zaferes was named Women's Olympic/International Triathlon Union (ITU) Triathlete of the Year. Her husband, Tommy Zaferes, who has represented the United States in triathlon, is a significant influence in her career. He plays multiple roles to support her goals.

Challenges and Injuries

Zaferes faced challenges during her career, including a crash at the 2019 Test Event for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. She broke her nose and required 23 stitches for a cut in her mouth. Despite these setbacks, she remained determined to achieve her goals.

Philosophy and Training Partners

Zaferes believes in staying relaxed before races. She learned from Super League Triathlon that mingling with people before races helps her stay calm. She trains with her husband Tommy and coach Joel Filliol. Training with Tommy motivates her to improve continuously.

She credits much of her success to having consistent coaching and supportive training partners. Her hard work across all three disciplines ensures she is strong in each area and doesn't rely on specific race conditions to perform well.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Zaferes aims to compete at future Olympic Games. Her experience during the selection process for the 2016 Rio Olympics fuels her drive to qualify automatically for upcoming events. The waiting period for selection led to doubts, but it also strengthened her resolve.

Katie Zaferes continues to be a prominent figure in triathlon, balancing rigorous training with personal interests like writing poetry and relaxing. Her journey reflects dedication and resilience as she strives for excellence in her sport.