Discipline/Event: Canoe Sprint; K1W and K2W
Height: 5’6”
Hometown: Gig Harbor, WA
Club: Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Racing Team
High School: Peninsula High School
College/University: I plan on going to Oklahoma City University
Area of Study/Major: I would study exercise science/kinesiology

2014 U.S. Junior National Team Member

Results:

2014 ICF Junior & U23 World Championships: 18th in Jr. K1W 200m
2014 Lake Placid International: 1st in U18 K1W 200m and 2nd in U18 K1W 500m
2013 National Championships: 1st in Jr. K1W 500m
2013 Lake Placid International: 1st in Jr. K1W 500m, 1st in Jr. K2W 500m with Natalie Griffin

At what age did you start paddling and how did you become involved in the sport?

I started paddling in Alan [Anderson]’s development summer camp when I was 12 or 13. My younger brother had been in the program for fun and one day I decided to join him.

Where and when was your first competition, and how did you do?

My first competition was in Canada at the Bantom’s Chance regatta in the fall after my first summer camp. That is where the big moment came when Coach Alan asked me to join the racing team.

What has inspired you to train and compete at an International level?

Very early in my training I felt a connection in a kayak. Ever since then God has blessed me with the determination and will to compete at whatever level I can get to.

What is your preference - individual or team boats, and why?

In the US it is hard to be able to make this decision because there aren’t enough paddlers to have your own distance or special race. Although if I had to choose, I would say K-1 because it’s just me, God, my boat and the water.

What race distance do you prefer, and why?

200 meter hands down! It is a full out sprint and is just as fun to race as it is to watch.

What has been your biggest accomplishment(s) in the sport?

Most likely competing in Hungary at the Olympic Hopes Regatta, where I placed 5th in the 200. Although, helping my club, GHCKRT, win the national championships is definitely a huge accomplishment!

What is the best advice you have been given and who offered it to you?

What has definitely helped me this past season is “this is mine, you can’t have it”- from coach Alan Anderson who has also told me to “just clear my mind and stop thinking so much!” , it’s a bit contradictory but I usually end up doing both somehow.

Tell us about your current training schedule? Describe an average day for you?

As of now, Natalie Griffin (my K-2 partner) and I will be training in our team boat to prepare for Junior Worlds which is later this summer. Which means water workouts everyday along with running and core or a weight workout. Every week also consists of a morning workout or two on the water, until our camp draws closer and our workouts will become more frequent.

What do you do for fun and relaxation?

Eat. Sleep. Friends.

What would you like to do after your Canoe/Kayak career is over?
I would like to have already finished my degree in exercise science and nutrition or sports psychology and start my career as an athletic trainer in the Olympic training centers that I get to train in now.

What is your favorite thing about the sport of Canoe/Kayak? Do you have any special memory that you would like to share?
My favorite thing about kayaking is how it has shaped my life. I meet some of the best people ever, I compete around the country/world and most importantly it has made me a stronger person mentally, physically, and spiritually. I just spent half an hour trying to come up with my favorite memory, but in all honesty there are none that stand out more than the rest, my kayak career as a whole will be my favorite memory!

What is your goal for the 2013 season?

Lord willing- I will place in the A or B final at Junior Worlds.

What is your dream goal?

To compete in the summer Olympics in either 2016- Rio de Janeiro or in 2020.

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