Hello, my friends call me Amber. I’m a professional snowboarder currently on a mission to redefine what “getting old” looks like while also representing brown-skinned athletes in snowboarding – a sport that’ traditionally been dominated by white athletes. Snowboarding feels like human flight: it’s thrilling, offers pure freedom, and is an incredible full-body workout. My training and skills from my time in Division I track have prepared me both physically and mentally to compete at an elite level.
I’ve always been drawn to sports, with a particular focus on those that push my body to the limit and bring me joy. I was an All-American college athlete, and I still hold the #1 record for outdoor track 800m race at both Loyola University Chicago as well as at Shaker Heights High School. My journey in snowboarding is an extension of my drive to continue breaking barriers and exceeding expectations.
How did you get into this sport?
At a young age, my mother, sister, and I joined an all-Black ski club in Ohio called Esprit, which is a sub-chapter of the National Brotherhood of Snowsports (NBS). I vividly remember waking up early, clothes already laid out, and taking charter bus rides to Pennsylvania and New York. By the end of that season, I was skiing at an intermediate level and even earned an award titled “Queen of the Jumps.” Eventually, in middle school, I made the switch to snowboarding to be with my friends in the ski club.
This early exposure to snows ports in an inclusive, supportive environment shaped my love for snowboarding.
What do you want to accomplish in your life with this sport? Is there a goal you have for yourself?
Short-term Goals:
- $25,000 in sponsorship to cover the costs of competing, training, and traveling.
- Ideally, partnering with conscious brands that align with my values to spread a positive message.
- Compete internationally again.
Long-term Goals:
- Have fun and honor my fullest potential in the sport.
- Set an example for people of all ages, showing them that it’s possible to live your fullest potential through action.
- Invent a new trick in the halfpipe.
- Compete at the highest levels in events like the World Cups and X-Games.
What does it take to do this? Is there a certain type of motivation you need to do this sport?
It takes a whole lot of persistence, discipline, joy, and humility (don’t take yourself too seriously). Staying focused and keeping a positive mindset has been key for me in navigating the challenges of professional snowboarding.
Joy is my guide through life. If something brings me happiness and energizes me, I follow it. If it helps others feel the same – even better! My persistence comes from the deep desire to prove that there’s no limit to what you can achieve, no matter what your background or what others might think.
Where do you think you got that from?
I believe I have an innate capacity for athletics. Kinesthetic learning has always been my strong suit, meaning I grasp concepts and techniques best when I can physically experience them. Genetics definitely play a role. I’ve always been drawn to physical challenges, and my body responds well to training and pushing my limits.
This athletic ability has carried me through different sports, from dance, soccer, basketball, track to snowboarding, where I continue to challenge myself in new and exciting ways through training and coaching. Competing at an elite level in the snowboarding world, like my recent experience at United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association (USASA) National Championships, is just one way I keep pushing my boundaries.
What would you say to the younger girls or people who have been motivated by what you’ve done?
I would say: Save up for at least one family ski trip if you can or see if there’s a local ski club or group in your area. National Brotherhood of Snowsports (NBS) is a great place to start – they have fantastic resources and networks for aspiring snowboarders of color. Learn more at www.NBS.org.
Also, if you have a thought in your head daring you to do something BRAVE – listen to it. Take whatever steps are needed to bring that thought into reality. Don’t be afraid to show up unapologetically. And remember, each step, no matter how small, moves you closer to your goal.
It’s all about trusting the process and embracing every challenge that comes your way. As a professional snowboarder and team member of the National Brotherhood of Snowsports (NBS), I continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in snowboarding. If my story resonates with you, consider donating to NBS, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, that accepts tax-deductible donations on my behalf. Your support can help create real change and empower underrepresented voices in snowboarding. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about my journey.
