Kate Delson made an immeasurable impact on the World Cup during her first full season on the circuit. Between her first podiums, first World Cup wins, and a World Championships silver medal, Kate was unstoppable. Delson got her start as a skier before transitioning to snowboarding, where her passion was in the park. Growing up in Mammoth Lakes, California, it was only a matter of time before Delson found herself on the snow.
Delson is the latest athlete featured in U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s “On the Rise” series, presented by Zions Bank. Through community service, sponsorships and charitable donations, Zions Bank is committed to fueling economic growth and enhancing quality of life in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming.
Q: What initially drew you to the sport of snowboarding?
KD: Snowboarding always looked way cool. My whole family rode, and I skied, because that is what the disabled sports organization I was learning with thought was best for those with disabilities at that time. Those ideas have changed since.
As soon as I got onto a snowboard, it was the freedom of movement that drew me. Being able to get around on the board free of the constraints I felt getting around on my own two feet.
Q: When you were younger and getting into the sport, what were your goals?
When I was younger, my goals were all based in the park. All I wanted to do was board slides, spins and get big air off jumps!
Q: What is your biggest accomplishment?
My biggest accomplishment yet has been becoming a part of the Toyota U.S. Para Snowboard Team. Starting the process of turning snowboarding (one of my greatest loves) into a career. And with that being welcomed into the extraordinary Para snowboard community.
Q: What is your ultimate goal?
I cannot declare an ultimate goal at this time, as I believe it is beyond my current imagination. But I hope to never stop improving my riding and take it to places I never thought possible. I am confident that it will pay off in competition.
Q: Who are your heroes? Both in & out of the sport?
Within snowboarding, my teammates Brenna Huckaby and Noah Elliott are two humans I really look up to. They both took their riding to levels that were unheard of at that time in Para snowboarding. Despite having no clue what was possible, they did not let that stop them from demolishing barriers!
Outside of sport, I have been blessed with amazing parents, coaches, mentors and friends who have all been heroes to me in a variety of ways.
Q: You win $5,000 in prize money: What do you do with it?
For now, probably save it and eventually spend it on snowboards!
Q: Do you budget or follow any structure related to spending?
I do my best to track my monthly spending on living costs and then compare it to how much I made that month. That way, I’m aware if I am losing or gaining. But I’ve got lots to learn.
Q: What's one money habit you follow?
In the past, I’ve spent my summer making as much money as possible. It has been more difficult recently as my training/traveling needs over the off-season have increased.
Follow Kate on social media.
