By Shari Young | May 2025
First Glimpse of Tahoe
Catherine was about eight years old when she first glimpsed Lake Tahoe. It was 1960, and she was traveling up Highway 50 with her family, seated in the right-hand passenger seat of a 1957 four-door turquoise Chevy. As the car crested Echo Summit, she was in complete awe of the lake scenery before her. She still feels that same sense of awe and wonder about Lake Tahoe today. Her version of nirvana is an alpine lake surrounded by pine trees.
A Love Story with Tahoe at Its Heart
When Catherine and Kevin first met—both around 30 years old—they took a ski weekend to Tahoe and had a fabulous time. When Catherine later suggested a summer trip, Kevin asked, “What is there to do in Lake Tahoe during the summer?” What??? Catherine quickly taught him everything Tahoe had to offer in the warmer months!
They eventually bought a house in Truckee, nestled among pine trees. It was beautiful, but the South Shore always felt more like home. With retirement in mind, they began scouting houses in the Keys in 2008, and by 2013, they had purchased their retirement home. They still maintain a house in the Bay Area, but as Kevin puts it, “We now just visit the most expensive storage unit in the Bay Area.”
College Days, Ski Clubs & Lifelong Friendships
Kevin went to school in the Central Valley and graduated from Chico State. He initially pursued a degree in computer science but found it too boring, so he switched to Business Administration and eventually earned his master’s degree. The real excitement of college, however, was his role as president of the ski club, which boasted over 600 members. He coordinated many ski trips, including one to Aspen where he met Mike, a tour operator.
Kevin began helping Mike with trips to places like Aspen, Vail, and Salt Lake. Though life took him in different directions after marriage and kids, he reconnected with Mike about eight years ago. Mike, still in the business but now serving smaller and older groups, brought Kevin and Catherine back into the mix. Today, they act as concierges, arranging transportation, catering, and lodging for ski groups. Mike has since sold the business, which is now known as Sports America.
From Brutal Ball to Bartenders
In the early days, these ski trips included rowdy games of “broomball”—tennis shoes on ice and brooms used to hit a ball. Nicknamed “brutal ball,” the games were intense—especially thanks to the fearless female players. Fueled by kegs hauled up the mountain, it was quite the scene. These days? No kegs, no broomball. The modern group prefers catered meals and a full bar!
Shared Passions & a Tahoe-Blue Proposal
Catherine and Kevin shared many interests before they even met. Catherine is an accomplished sailor and has crewed on boats throughout Mexico, Canada, Tahiti, the California coast, and around Nantucket. These weren’t luxury trips—they involved real work! She’s also highly skilled at driving, launching, and retrieving boats. For anyone who’s tried backing a trailer down a ramp, this is an invaluable skill.
Kevin, for his part, was a professional-level power boat operator for the Sacramento State water ski team.
Their wedding vows even included a promise to share activities. Kevin knew Catherine was the one when he saw her meticulously prepping her house for painting one Saturday. Already in love, he was sealed by her attention to detail. He proposed with a ring presented in a stained-glass box—handmade in Tahoe blue—and tucked inside a vintage Model T Ford parts box. (Insert romantic sigh here.)
A Boat for All Seasons
In 2002, it was time to buy a boat. With two small children, Catherine insisted on the safest, best boat for Lake Tahoe—and it had to be brand new. Music to Kevin’s ears! They chose a MasterCraft, and Catherine took the test drive on May 31—her birthday. They owned that boat for sixteen years and even had a contract with Edgewood to provide lake tours for celebrity guests.
A Career of Care and Connection
Catherine originally trained as a dental hygienist and did so well that she was hired as an instructor right after graduation. For over 35 years, she has worked as a professor and conducts National Exams across the country, evaluating techniques required for certification. She says, “I love my profession. I love still using my skills and experience, staying in touch with longtime colleagues, and remaining relevant in the profession. I would like to continue doing it forever!”
The funny part? She never actually worked as a dental hygienist.
Finding a Club That Feels Like Home
Last boating season, Catherine and Kevin attended a rib cookoff at White Sands Yacht Club (Ross’ house). They didn’t recognize most of the attendees but were struck by how friendly everyone was and appreciated the new dynamic. Later, they attended the “Ski & Tailgate” event in winter and enjoyed the smaller gathering, which gave them the chance to connect more deeply with other members. They love the club’s vibrancy and say, “Great things are in store for this club!”
Bonus Feature: Rescue on the Lake
In 2024, our PICYA Delegates Linda and Gary Gordon submitted a nomination for the Meritorious Service Award on Kevin’s behalf. Here’s a summary of that winning nomination, titled “Rescue on the Lake” (reprinted with permission):
Kevin Kornegay, as a member of the South Lake Tahoe Windjammers Yacht Club, captains the Race Committee boat—originally a refurbished fireboat. During a Sunday race, while anchored near the Tahoe Keys, two people frantically approached in a powerboat, reporting another nearby boat on fire. Kevin immediately sprang into action, coordinating emergency assistance from the Coast Guard, Washoe County Sheriff, El Dorado County Sheriff, and South Lake Tahoe Police.
The police secured the distressed vessel and towed it and its passengers to safety at Tahoe Keys Marina. The boat had suffered a manifold malfunction, caught fire, and started sinking. Authorities credit Kevin’s quick thinking with saving both the boat and the lives of its passengers.
“It made me feel really good because I knew what to do to help our community. The Phoenix is and looks official, so it attracted attention. I called for assistance using Channel 16 on the radio,” Kevin said.
The engraved trophy now lives in their Tahoe home.
