Hometown: Ely, MN

Family members (locations, interests): My parents, Kevin and Karen, both live in Ely, Minnesota. From the time I was born and until now my parents and I have lived in South Carolina, New York, Illinois, and Minnesota; I have lived in Ely the longest. My parents, especially my dad, love the outdoors and that is why they chose Ely. My parents aren’t avid skiers, but my dad occasionally skis our portable icehouse to a favorite fishing spot on a lake, and I’m proud to say I have gotten my mom to come on a few skis with me! Since I was in junior high my parents have come to almost every ski race, including NCCA’s in Montana and Maine. My dad’s cowbell can be heard from a mile away and my mom knows every skier I ski against, almost better than I do. I couldn’t ask for more supportive parents!

Current Residence: Ely, MN

Education, Graduation Year & Area of Study: I graduated in 2009 with a psychology major and a coaching minor from Gustavus Adolphus College.

Hobbies: Aside from skiing, I love being in the outdoors! Anything from swimming in lakes, to canoeing, and camping; I enjoy it all. I also road biked for the first time this spring and fell in love with it!

Other non-athletic interests: I love traveling to new places, and plan on doing that much more as I get older. I also love just spending time with my friends and family.

Skiing Accomplishments:
2x NCAA qualifier
2009
4th in 10k skate at the Central Regional Meet
1st collegiate skier in 10k skate at Itasca Super Tour
6th collegiate skier in 10k classic at Itasca Super Tour
40th in 5k skate at US Nationals
Gustavus January Athlete of the Month
Gustavus Most Valuable Skier
Gustavus Team Captain

When did you start Skiing? I started skiing when I was 12 years old at Minnesota Youth Ski League on Sundays.

Why is Skiing Important in your Life? Skiing has been extremely important to me throughout my career, and has only become more so as the years pass. Not only has skiing forced me to learn how to manage my time efficiently, it has also challenged me more than anything else. The time put into ski training and racing is enormous, and the effort that needs to be put in is even greater. There is nothing more satisfying than crossing the finish line and knowing you reached or surpassed your goals that you set for yourself. It makes all of the time and hard effort you put forth worth it. Skiing is one of the most satisfying activities I have ever been a part of.

Other athletic interests/accomplishments? In high school I was a member of the swim team, the Nordic ski team, and the track team. As a student at Gustavus I skied and was also talked into running cross country by my coach, Jed Friedrich. I went from running 25th on the Gustavus team as a freshman, to running 2nd on our team, being team captain, and finishing in the top 25% of our region my senior year.

Why did you apply to the CXC Team? I applied to the CXC Team because I wanted to pursue my skiing career after college at the highest level possible. I had worked with the CXC Team before applying, and really enjoyed it. The coaches and other staff were extremely passionate and helpful, and the team itself was very open. I am extremely excited to work with the CXC Team and see where it can take me!

Skiing Goals: Since I have never had the opportunity to pursue the sport of skiing without the extra burden of school and classes, it is hard for me to make specific goals for myself, because I have no idea what to expect. One goal that I do hold for myself, though it’s very broad, is to make the largest jump in skiing success that I have ever made within one year of training.

Goals after Skiing: After I am done competitively skiing, my plan is to attend graduate school in clinical psychology.

How do you see yourself giving back to the sport in the future? In the future I plan to give back to the ski community by possibly coaching at the high school or master’s level, helping at local races, and doing whatever volunteer work I can to continue the promotion of the sport.