Hometown: Bryson City, NC, USA

Living now: All around the world (but still based out of Bryson City)

Discipline(s): Slalom, Downriver, Whitewater, Freestyle, Sprint

What's your story?

I started kayaking as a little kid, because my dad was a coach for the USA National Team. I got my first slalom boat when I was 7, and fell in love with that discipline, and I have been training ever since. I did a couple of other sports including gymnastics and soccer when I was younger, but paddling has always been my favorite.

I love everything about kayaking, especially the rush of adrenaline I get in the start gate. It’s an amazing sport because there are always so many opportunities to push yourself and improve. Most of my favorite memories are of paddling and exploring new countries with friends I have made through slalom from around the world.

It has always been my dream to race in the senior international circuit, and 2019 was my first year being old enough to do so. I ended up winning a bronze in Tacen in WC1 and qualifying an Olympic quota for the USA after placing 4th in the World Championships in WC1. I am looking forward to continuing to race in the Senior circuit in the years to come.