Age: 19
From: South Lake Tahoe, CA
Have you always loved snowsports?
I learned to snowboard when I was 6 years old, so I have never really known anything but loving snow spots 🙂
How did you get into snowboarding?
My dad taught me to snowboard when I was 6 and I’ve been hooked ever since!
How did the sponsorship with Volcom come about?
I have always loved Volcom clothes, so a few years ago when I had the chance to ride for their streetwear team I jumped at it. I have been on the streetwear team ever since and just recently made the switch to ride head to toe with Volcom. I am so stoked on all the products I just cant wait to ride in it!
Are you excited to be on the snow team?
I am so excited to be apart of the Volcom snow program. The best thing about the Volcom snow team is the family structure and to have such amazing people around me. I love the tight knit program that Volcom has and everyone who works at Volcom is incredible. The team is also full of amazing riders that are so fun to hangout and shred with. It is just a really great place and I am stoked to be a part of it.
Can you give us a run down of your average day?
There is no average day! Ha ha, I know that sounds like a cop out but it’s so true! An average day for me can be anything from getting up early to work out and run, catch a flight across the world, sleep in a bit and go riding with friends, prepare for a contest, go surfing, or on a rare occasion just chill… The only common thing I have is every day when I wake up it usually takes me a second to realize where in the world I am.
And if you could have the perfect day, what would it include?
A perfect day would include, chocolate chip pancakes with whipped cream, a close group of friends, sun, an empty resort, and bottomless powder 🙂
What are your plans for the autumn? What’s your favourite spot?
My favorite resort to ride at is Northstar.
How do you prepare for a big competition?
When I am at a contest I try to just listen to music to distract myself from getting nervous… And always try to just have fun and make the most of it.
Do you still get nervous before a big contest?
I always get nervous before competing… No matter how many contests I do I don’t think that those butterflies will ever go away.
What is the atmosphere like behind the scenes?
There are some amazing girls that compete in halfpipe so before a contest we are all just hanging out, goofing off, and having a good time. There are always those serious moments for sure but I try to keep them to a minimum because it really takes the fun out of it all.
You must be looking forward to traveling a lot. Where are you keen to visit?
I love traveling! This year I think that I am going to make a trip to Spain for a World Cup, I have never been there before so I am super excited about that.
What are your suitcase essentials when you’re on the road?
Clean socks, iPod, toothbrush, chapstick and gum 🙂
What have been your biggest career setbacks?
I have gotten my fair share of head injuries over the last few years. These have all set me back because it is really important to take proper care of your head because it is the only one you have.
What have your greatest achievements been so far?
I was the youngest athlete at the 2006 Winter Olympics as a member of the US Halfpipe Team, placing 6th in Torino and I also became Transworld Snowboarding’s ‘Rookie of the Year’ in 2006. Other highlights were winning the Abominable Snow Jam, winning the the Vans Tahoe Cup Halfpipe in both 2007 and 2008 and coming 3rd place in the 2007 X Games.
Who or what are your inspirations?
I am inspired by anyone who sets their mind on something and does it no matter what or who is telling them they can’t.
How do you relax when you get the chance?
I love to cook so there is nothing better than cooking a big meal and sinking into the couch to watch a movie.
What’s up next for you?
I am just anxiously waiting to see that white stuff fall from the sky!!!
Photos by: Vernon Deck
