U.S. Olympic Skeleton Athlete
Why did you decide to come to Leeds?
I chose the University of Colorado because I fell in love with the campus and environment. Then, when I was trying to decide a major, the Leeds School of Business seemed like the obvious choice because of the versatility a business degree provides post-grad. Once I started taking classes at Leeds, I found the community of business students was so positive, and the Koelbel building became a second home to me in Boulder.
Could you share an experience (or two) that was particularity memorable at Leeds?
In the first semester of my senior year, I had Business Ethics downstairs by the café [formerly MAD Greens café] with a couple of friends, and at the time, there was a buy 10 get one free soup punch card. So we would get one most days and take it into class, and we acquired the title of "Soup Club" from Professor Kevin McMahon. Also, I completed the Business of Sports certificate program in the summer of 2012 and had many memorable group meetings while trying to finalize our last presentation.
Any particular professors or mentors that influenced you while you were at Leeds?
I had a number of great professors in my time at Leeds, but Professor McMahon was especially influential. I had him for Business Ethics, and he really got me to think critically about the effects people, businesses and decisions have on the world as a whole, and we have remained in touch since I graduated in 2012. He was among the first people to congratulate me on making the Olympic team.
Where has life taken you since you graduated Leeds?
After I graduated from Leeds, I moved to Park City, Utah, to ski and give skeleton a shot. After two years of working at the mountain during the day and sliding at night, I made the U.S. National Team and began to compete internationally. In my first international season, I became the first U.S. woman to win the European Cup overall title. I went on to qualify for the World Cup team the following three years and earned one of two women's spots for the 2018 Olympic Games in Pyeongchang. I now live in Southern California during the off-season and am going to continue to compete in skeleton, but I would eventually like to move into the business side of the sports world once I retire from competition.
What is one piece of advice/best practice that has stuck with you throughout your career?
Always be willing to try new things and if you are going to do something, commit fully or don't do it at all
To nominate yourself or a fellow Leeds alumnus or alumna to be in an upcoming alumni newsletter, fill out this survey!
December 2018 - Winter Sports Edition!