Skeleton’s the bomb. No, it’s actually the bomb-diggity. It’s awesome. CrAZy. Surreal.
So have been my experiences in both bobsled and skeleton. Never in a million years would I have thought, just 2 years ago, that I would someday train alongside The Greats in the sport -let alone, to discover that they’re also some of the most amazing, fun, dedicated, and adventurous people I will ever meet.
I truly ‘fell into’ the sport. A telephone call from one of my best AmeriCorps friends lead me to meeting & teaming up with Jazmine Fenlator, a rookie bobsled driver at the time, but now a 2014 Olympic Hopeful. Jaz was in a tight spot, and I am always willing to do anything out-of-the-ordinary. Bobsledding? Why not? That single phone call lead me into 10 weeks of bobsled and skeleton training in the 2009-2010 season. In love with the sport and my curiosity peaked, I made the decision to dedicate the following winter to training on the U.S. Elite Development team in the sport of Skeleton for the 2010-2011 season.
Sliding skeleton has been an experience of a lifetime. Forerunning the world cup, Kuk Sool Won, ungodly bruises, Wise Guys, and the awesome adrenaline rush of the sport… Nobody can take these experiences away from me- and so I will continue to tote those memories with me.
That being said, I do feel ‘called’ to make a change. A year of traveling with AmeriCorps, the Susan Komen 3-Day, and a cross-country cycling trip to raise over $180,000 for Affordable Housing non-profits… those experiences are tugging at my heart strings and pulling me back into the non-profit/volunteer world. This is where my heart truly lies.
I will be taking a 2nd interview this week with a non-profit based out of New Orleans, called the “St. Bernard Project.” They have dedicated the last 6 years to building and renovating homes for people who lost everything in Hurricane Katrina. I have lived in New Orleans & Baton Rouge in the past, and am longing to get back down there to help finish the job. If this opportunity doesn’t work out, I will continue to seek for AmeriCorps positions.
This is possibly one of, (if not THE), most difficult changes I’ve ever made. I will miss my Devo friends so much. We’ve been through a lot together-emotionally and physically, and I hope to continue our friendships. To all Team USA Bobsled & Skeleton athletes-thanks for your advice, and contagious enthusiasm for the sport. I want to attend the Olympics and cheer for you all, cowbell in hand ☺
Thanks to Coach Don for all his encouragement, sport expertise, and sense of humor; and to Becca, for her words of wisdom, on and off the ice. To Kyle and Brad, for going above & beyond to teach me the ins-and-outs of Olympic lifting and training. To Leah and Chip, for everything from tea parties to a listening ear. Thanks to Matt Bailey, Amy Will, Sam, Lucy, Pastor Derek, and all the OTC staff, USBSF staff, and the Track Workers. You guys really put in a ton of work & a lot of heart into what you do. It does not go unnoticed, though I don’t think I ever thanked you as much as you deserved.
And lastly, to my sponsors: R.A.W-Training for their motivation & athletic expertise to help me reach my goals; to Naturally Soergel’s for their love & enthusiasm; and to my family, especially Grandma Soergel, Kaki & Ray, Deonna, and above all, to my Mom & Dad- for supporting me on every step, of every journey that I embark on.
With many thanks,
Leisl Soergel
"Continuity gives us roots; change gives us branches, letting us stretch and grow and reach new heights." ~Pauline R. Kezer
