USA Curling 2004-05 Athlete Biography

CURLING HIGHLIGHTS

• U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 2005 (10th)
• Junior Women’s Nationals: 2001, 1999, '98 (champion all three years)
• Junior Women's Worlds: 1999 (5th), 1998 (5th)
• Women's Nationals: 1999, '98 (5th both years)
• U.S. National Women's Qualifier (for the Olympic Trials): 2001 (qualifier # 4)

Other highlights include:

• 1998-99 – Minnesota State Women's Championships (champion)
• 1995-2000 – Minnesota State Junior Women's Championships (runner-up)

PERSONAL FILE
In her own words: "I have been curling for so long that I don't remember the first time that I stepped out on the ice. My grandpa is the main reason that I even got introduced to the game. He's gotten all his sons curling and all of his grandchildren at least once, with three of them participating in national competitions and two going on to world competitions."

What I like about curling: "Curling is such a unique game, and there's something about it that draws me to it. I feel that it's a particularly special sport because you really have to use both your mind and your body. And the harder the challenge, the more I'm drawn to it."

Training: "I try to participate in one league a week, and I make sure to get to the curling club whenever time will permit. We, as a team, also try to participate in two bonspiels a month. Off-the-ice training consists of cardiovascular workouts (roller-blading or running) and lifting weights."

Embarrassing curling memory: "I’ve had many embarrassing falls while curling. The most embarrassing happened in 1998, at Nationals. It was the final game, and we were the only team still playing. The officials had clear plastic mats that they set their chairs and feet on. I couldn’t see the mats very well, and one time the official wasn’t around and I stepped on the mat and took another step and totally wiped out. I just sat there for a minute laughing, so the official grabbed me around the waist and started helping me up. I got up and egged on the crowd (to cheer for my fall) and almost fell again!"

A nice thing about curling: "Besides my many falls, what I think of when I think of curling is the many places it has brought me and the many people I've met. Curling is one of the only sports that will give a high school or college student the opportunity to travel all over the United States and all over the world. Also, you meet many great people from all over the U.S. and the world. It's exciting to say that I know somebody who lives in Sweden."

Favorites: "Next to curling, my love is singing. I was in choir all through high school, and I hope to get back into it sometime soon. I also love to spend time outdoors rollerblading, swimming and suntanning. I really enjoy when I get to see my family and high school friends, since I have moved eight hours away. I also like to talk on the phone, shop, and eat ice cream."

Other favorite sports: "I ran cross-country in high school, and also curled. I'm not really good at any other sports, but I really like volleyball and football. I rollerblade, lift weights and swim (during the summer) to keep in shape and for fun."