Team USA Years: 2011
Hometown: Schererville, IN
Current residence: Griffith, IN
Education:
B.A. from Purdue University Calumet
High school attended:
Lake Central High School
Year of graduation:
2006
Location of high school:
St. John, IN
Sports you competed in while in high school (include number of years):
Basketball, 4 years
College attended:
Purdue University Calumet
Year of graduation:
December 2010
Degree/major:
B.A.
History and Political Science major
Other college activities:
Social Justice Club
Pi Sigma Alpha (National Honor Society for Political Science)
Phi Alpha Theta (National Honor Society for History)
Occupation, current employer:
DJ/Manage at the rink
Career goals:
After I get done skating, I am going to attend grad school and get my doctorates in Foreign Policy. I want to teach at a university
Current skating club:
Lynwood Skate club
Coaches name:
Julie Jessup
When did you begin skating:
My mom used to attach those clamp-on skates to me when I was in my walker, and I have been walking on my own since I was 8 months old. So I guess I have been skating since I was like 5 months old. My first competition was when I was 5.
Future goals you hope to obtain as a skater:
Win nationals and skate amazing at worlds!
Awards, honors and statistics received in roller sports:
I have won Nationals 4 times and 2nd or 3rd several other times. I was Illinois Skater of the Year in 1999.
Other awards and/or honors received outside of roller sports:
Senior year of high school, I received the Michael Furman Award, which is awarded to a senior guy in basketball for leadership and great sportsmanship. It was a huge honor for me.
Who is your favorite sports figure:
First person that comes to my mind is Michael Jordan, but I only remember the Bulls’ second 3-peat. And I remember little else outside of the games. So my favorite athlete now is Kobe Bryant. I always read articles about his work ethic, determination, and leadership. On days when I am tired and exhausted, I always remind myself that Kobe never stops. That’s why he is the best, and I strive to be the best.
Who is the person you most admire/greatest influence in your life and why:
By far my mom. She has instilled in me everything I know: my passion for skating and basketball, my attitude towards other people and competitors, and respecting the world of skating and the game of basketball. But the most important lesson she has taught me is to always have fun no matter what I am doing and to put on a show.
List your hobbies:
Reading, working out, running and playing with Mya (my dog), and watching way too much ESPN.
What music do you listen to during training or competition?
I don’t listen to music before I skate, but when I am in the gym I listen to Rock, Hip-hop, and Dub step. And when I run I listen to upbeat club music.
What makes you a unique and special person:
I am very multifaceted. I try to enjoy everything life brings at me.
Favorite food before a competition:
This probably is not the best thing to do before you skate, but I eat a lot before competition. I think everyone’s nerves are a little touchy before they skate, and we all find different ways of calming those nerves. I do it with food. It’s always different, but I always eat a banana and chewy bars.
Favorite movie:
Bad Boys 2
Favorite place to shop:
Dick’s Sporting Goods
If you could pick one word to describe you, what would it be:
Outgoing
Family Information:
Mother’s name:
Diane
Mother’s occupation:
Brothers:
James
Family Members Who Have Competed or Are Competing in Amateur or Professional Athletics:
Almost my entire family has skated at some point in time.