Sweet won Halfpipe for the women’s Jam class at the USASA Nationals March 30 at Copper Mountain
When did you start snowboarding?
I started snowboarding on my eighth birthday. It was the first day I was allowed to snowboard because Steamboat used to require kids in group snowboarding lessons to be at least 8 years old.
When did you know you wanted to compete?
I never had the desire to compete as a child; competing mostly started as an outlet for me. I would train on the racecourse, while my brothers would go through the park. It wasn’t until after I moved to Colorado to go to Mines that I joined the Team Summit Snowboard Team and found a drive and passion for competition.
What did you compete in at Nationals?
At nationals this year I competed in Halfpipe, Boardercross and Slalom. I was also invited to participate in Giant Slalom but it interfered with school too much, so I had to decline that event.
How did you prepare for Nationals?
Training for nationals meant training on snow seven days a week for the last three weeks (that’s including spring break). That is a lot more riding compared to my normal academic training schedule for Team Summit. I ride for Team Summit Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons, and all day Saturday and Sunday.
What did you win?
I won an Anon helmet. Anon is one of USASA’s sponsors this year.
How do you balance snowboarding and schoolwork at Mines?
It is extremely difficult to balance the two, a lot of early mornings and late nights. But training on snow five days a week and going to school five days a week has taught me the most amazing time management skills. I also rely heavily on my friends and sorority sisters to keep me focused on my schoolwork and life here in Golden.
What's next for you in snowboarding?
I will be off-season training over the summer and pre-season training with my team in the fall. But next season is going to definitely be difficult, taking the step to the next level. I’ll be moving from the division I won (women’s Jams) to Open Class, which is the most competitive. And hopefully I’ll get to travel a little bit more to compete.
What’s next after Mines?
As for life after Mines, I am planning on graduating in May 2015 (fingers crossed) and I’d like to purse a job in the food and drink processing industry.
Contact:
Kathleen Morton, Communications Coordinator / 303-273-3088 / KMorton@mines.edu
Karen Gilbert, Director of Public Relations / 303-273-3541 / KGilbert@mines.edu
