Before rowing took over my life, I was full-time with ESPN. I worked in Production and Programming for nearly five years before deciding to put a career in television on hold and pursue a rowing career to chase the Olympic Dream. I still enjoy contributing to espnW from time to time, and do some freelance writing and consulting for various websites. In addition to being a two-time National Team member, I am the the Female Athlete Representative to the USRowing Board of Directors.

I attended the University of Virginia, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Religious Studies in 2007 and then a Master’s of Education in Social Foundations and Policy in 2008.

As an undergraduate, I was a dual athlete, participating on the varsity volleyball and softball teams and then remained at UVa to earn my Master’s degree while completing my softball eligibility. That’s right, I did NOT row in college. In fact, I didn’t pick up my first oar until the summer of 2010. I took my first strokes with Riverfront Recapture Rowing located on the Connecticut River in Hartford. I later joined up with GMS Rowing before joining the USRowing National Training Center in the fall of 2011. I have become an avid fan and supporter of the Virginia Rowing Team and owe a great deal of my start into rowing to the Virginia Women’s Head Coach, Kevin Sauer.

I come from a mix of Midwest and Southern upbringing from Oklahoma to Texas to Missouri and finally Baton Rouge, Louisiana. where my parents, Dan and Kathy still reside. I have a twin brother, Jon and older brother, Bryan - both married to wonderful women, Taylor and Cara respectively. I have two nephews, Grayson and Cullen and if they get any of Bryan and Cara’s height and athleticism, could make for two pretty badass rowers.