Joining WCAP

I always felt an obligation to serve my country in the military, but the time never seemed quite right. I felt stretched too thin to make it happen, so I put the idea on the back-burner. Then came the Army’s World Class Athlete Program, or “WCAP.” It is a program within the Army, that Team USA athletes can join if they meet the performance standards. This program gives individuals the opportunity to represent the United States as an athlete, as well as a soldier. When I found out that I could do the same, I was very interested. The time finally seemed right! I could foster my bobsled career, while simultaneously starting my military career.

I swore in last week, as an infantryman in the Army. I ship out August 5th, to Ft. Benning Georgia. I will graduate one station unit training on November 22nd, and head to Ft. Carson for WCAP processing. From there, I will fly straight to Park City and jump back in a sled- just in time for the second NAC race of the season!

I will earn a military salary while I serve, which is critical to my career as a bobsledder. As a Team USA athlete, the majority of us are entirely self funded. Equipment and travel expenses for an up and coming bobsled driver are immense, and I owe the continuation of my bobsled career to the Army. I also owe my entire bobsled career to the friends and family that fund-raised, donated, and offered words of encouragement these past four years. The amount of gratitude I have for you is immeasurable, thank you! I’m excited for this new chapter, and honored to represent the United States in these two uniforms.