Life and Achievements
Katharine Paige Haffenreffer, affectionately known as Kate or Kat, is a promising young athlete and academic currently making waves at Vanderbilt University. Born into a family of public figures, Kate is the daughter of Lara Spencer, the beloved ABC Good Morning America host and HGTV personality, and David Haffenreffer, a former CNN contributor. Despite her family’s notable presence in the media, Katharine has carved out her own identity through her dedication to sports and education. As a sophomore at Vanderbilt, she is immersed in her studies, majoring in economics and history, while balancing her commitments to the university’s women’s lacrosse team.
Katharine is a Vanderbilt lacrosse defender and midfielder wearing jersey number 8. Multiple appearances and impressive achievements in 2024–2025 have shown her field skills. Katharine has excelled academically and athletically, garnering All-AAC and SEC First-Year Honour Roll distinction. Her passion to athletics and academics shows personal growth and greatness.
Katharine, from Greenwich, Connecticut, posts photos of her life and accomplishments on Instagram. She also uses Opendorse NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) transactions to expand her impact beyond lacrosse. Katharine’s story shows how collegiate athletes may balance sports and school to become inspiring figures.
| Katharine Paige Haffenreffer Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Role and Identity | Vanderbilt University sophomore and athlete |
| Major | Economics/History |
| Lacrosse Position | Defender/Midfielder (#8) |
| Academic Honors | All‑AAC, SEC First‑Year Honor Roll |
| Social Presence | Active on Instagram, NIL deals via Opendorse |
| Hometown | Greenwich, Connecticut |
Family Background
Katharine is part of a family that blends television presence with entrepreneurial success. Her mother, Lara Spencer, is well-known for her role as an anchor on ABC’s Good Morning America and host of various HGTV shows. With a net worth estimated between $9 million and $20 million, Lara’s career in media has been both long-standing and lucrative. She maintains an amicable relationship with her ex-husband and Katharine’s father, David Haffenreffer, following their divorce in 2015. David transitioned from a career in media to real estate, currently working as a broker.
Katharine’s stepfather, Richard McVey, founded and runs MarketAxess. Most of his $600 million net worth comes from company stock and executive compensation. Katharine’s family grew when McVey married Lara Spencer in 2018. Duff Haffenreffer, her older brother, graduated from Southern Methodist University in 2025 and started a profession.
Haffenreffer family dynamics include media presence, corporate leadership, and mutual support. Katharine’s tale is centred in her own goals, despite her parents’ high-profile careers.
| Family Member | Profession/Role | Net Worth |
|---|---|---|
| Lara Spencer | ABC host & HGTV personality | $9–20 million |
| David Haffenreffer | Real estate broker | Not publicly disclosed |
| Richard McVey | Founder & CEO of MarketAxess | ≈$600 million |
| Duff Haffenreffer | Recent college graduate | Not publicly known |
| Katharine Haffenreffer | College athlete and student | Not applicable (student) |
FAQ
Who is Katharine Paige Haffenreffer?
The daughter of Lara Spencer and David Haffenreffer, Katharine Paige Haffenreffer is a Vanderbilt University sophomore studying economics/history and playing lacrosse.
What is Katharine’s Vanderbilt athletic role?
Her contributions to Vanderbilt women’s lacrosse as a defender/midfielder are considerable.
Parents of Katharine Haffenreffer?
She is the daughter of ABC and HGTV personality Lara Spencer and real estate dealer David Haffenreffer, a former CNN contributor.
Katharine’s academic accomplishments?
She has received academic honours including All-AAC and SEC First-Year Honour Roll at Vanderbilt University.
