Then and Now

My career began with the focus of an athlete. After high school, I moved to Milwaukee to train for the national team with hopes to make the Olympic speedskating team. I balanced my training while managing evening programs at the local ice rink. I also started college classes while in Milwaukee, but the reality of training and needing to pay for everything took priority over school.

A visit to Utah changed everything. Captivated by the state's world-class climbing, mountain biking, and skiing, I relocated to Salt Lake City and joined the team at the Utah Olympic Oval and got a job there, eventually becoming the VP of Sport and Venues for the Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation.

As my professional responsibilities grew, so did my desire to formalize my expertise with a business degree. SLCC provided the perfect environment for me with its flexible class schedules, locations, and affordability, and this allowed me to chip away at my degree part-time over five years while working. I also really enjoyed the smaller classes — I wasn't just a name, I knew my professors and, in the classroom, my real-world experience was valued along with my academic performance.

Once I earned my associate's degree, I transferred to the U where I earned my bachelor's degree in business. All my credits transferred smoothly, but it was still a big change in scale, cost, and flexibility. I remember big lecture halls and needing to take off in the middle of the day to get to some of the required classes. Honestly, if it wasn't for that flexibility, direct transfer of classes, and affordability of SLCC, I am not sure I would have been able to go back to school.

Currently, I am the CEO of USA Climbing based in Salt Lake City. We made our debut on the Olympic stage at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and are gearing up for the next Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"Honestly, if it wasn't for that flexibility, direct transfer of classes, and affordability of SLCC, I am not sure I would have been able to go back to school."

Advice

For athletes, know that education is your long-term competitive advantage. Don't be deterred by the traditional timeline. It is perfectly okay, and often more sustainable, to pursue your degree part-time. Even if you only take one or two classes a semester, keep moving forward. That persistence will matter just as much in the boardroom as it does on the field of play.