NEWMAN — Katherine Pagni says she entered the Ms. Health & Fitness competition as a personal challenge. Now, the Newman native has pushed into the Top 15 nationwide, backed by a wave of community support she describes as “overwhelming in the best way.”
Pagni, a 2004 Orestimba High School graduate and former U.S. Marine, advanced to the new round last week as public voting continues to determine who moves forward. The next cut — narrowing the field to the Top 10 — arrives Feb. 19 at 7 p.m.
“Every vote, every message, every share has mattered,” Pagni said. “I truly couldn’t have made it this far without the people who believe in me.”
Her fitness journey began long before the competition. Pagni spent a decade in the Marine Corps, where she said discipline became second nature. But the deeper shift came later, when she worked through an eating disorder and rebuilt her relationship with strength, health and self‑confidence.
“What started as a struggle turned into something that brought me back to myself,” she said. “Fitness gave me my happiness, my confidence and my fire again.”
Pagni trains primarily in her garage gym, following a six‑day strength program through the Naked Training App by Brooke Ence. She also runs four days a week using Zunna Training as she prepares for a half marathon in March. Group classes — from CrossFit to kickboxing — round out her routine.
“It keeps me grounded and consistent,” she said. “Strength is the goal, but so is long‑term well‑being.”
Pagni returned to Newman a little over a year ago after living in several states during and after her military service. Coming home, she said, reminded her of the support system that shaped her early years.
“There’s something about this town that stays with you,” she said. “Being back made me realize how much this community has always meant to me.”
If she wins the competition’s $20,000 prize, Pagni said she plans to put it toward purchasing her first home, with hopes of creating a backyard gathering space for friends and family.
The contest also raises money for The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, which supports families affected by childhood cancer. Free votes can be cast once every 24 hours, and optional paid votes benefit the foundation.
“This isn’t just about a title,” Pagni said. “It’s about showing what’s possible when you keep choosing yourself, even on the hard days. If my story helps someone else believe they can start again, that’s the real win.”
Voting is open at mshealthandfit.com/2026/katherine-pagni.
