As the founder of Studio 2 Stadium, I am also a dance teacher, choreographer, adjudicator, and former D1A collegiate dance team coach. During my time coaching, I experienced firsthand the inadequate opportunities that coincide with dance teams and university athletics. I observed the significant lack of resources, support, and recognition that we rightfully deserved.

My team wore the same uniforms I had worn a decade ago as a member, held together by needle and thread I carried to patch up any holes. While my team could eat in the athletics dining hall, we had to pay for our meals, unlike other athletes who had free access. We were allowed to use the department's psychological health and performance program, but only for six sessions a year. After dancing at away games, we waited until all players, coaches, photographers, and donors had taken their food before we could have any leftovers, if available. We faced harassment on the sidelines from both students and fans, and when I tried to advocate for us, our concerns were swept under the rug and forgotten about.

I worked sometimes 16-hour days, attending practices in the morning, meetings, planning, and administrative work in the afternoon, and then my studio job at night to make a decent living. I was expected to be present at every game, community appearance, fundraiser, and more. I sacrificed attending weddings, birthdays, baby showers, and even a vacation where I could truly relax without work obligations. The demands were unsustainable, leaving no room for a life outside of work. Despite all this, I recognized that I had more support than many other dance team programs across the nation, which fueled my passion for creating Studio 2 Stadium.

I recognized an urgent need for a centralized platform to connect the dance team community. A digital network providing coaches with essential tools, helping them reclaim some of their sacrificed time, and creating a supportive environment. A place where coaches wouldn't feel so isolated and overwhelmed, and where success didn't require a large team and an endless budget.

As a studio teacher, I also noticed the confusion, inconsistency, and lack of communication dancers received from universities. I envisioned a space where dancers could focus more on training in the studio rather than spending hours researching programs online. A place where parents could better navigate their dancer's journey to finding a school best fit for them. A platform for dancers to showcase their talents and achievements beyond traditional social media and email, where they felt seen and valued.

I aimed to create greater equality in the collegiate dance team arena. I wanted to extend my efforts beyond my previous program to benefit other coaches, teachers, choreographers, and dancers facing similar challenges. I am dedicated to empowering those around me and making a significant impact in this uncharted territory.

Over the course of the years I have earned my Bachelor's degree in Advertising, a Sociology Certificate, and a Master of the Arts in Elementary Education. Prior to Studio 2 Stadium, I had no experience in entrepreneurship or technology, but I knew I had a passion for working with young adults and sought to diversify my involvement on campus outside of athletics.

I connected with the Computer Science and Engineering program and teamed up with students who chose S2S as their senior capstone project for the past two years. These students spent the following school year developing the technology and bringing my vision to life. Through weekly meetings, guidance from their professor, and an increasing understanding of the technology industry, Studio 2 Stadium became a reality.

I am proud that we continuously stay in alignment with our values and can claim that our website has been coded solely in-house! We are committed to providing career development and to continue utilizing the talents of aspiring young professionals on and off campus!