Hayley Sweeney, Snowboarder (UT)

Connect with Hayley: Facebook: Hayley Megan Steed  Instagram: hayleysteed

Your Name (and Nickname): Hayley Sweeney (Cray Hay)

Your Age: 21

Your Location (where do you ride mostly): Ogden, Utah (Snowbasin)

What does SheShredsCo mean to you? 

SheShredsCo means the world to me.  When I first became an ambassador in 2014, I was not confident. I only knew one other girl that I could snowboard with. Through joining SheShreds, I have gained a whole sisterhood of women who kill it in their action sports. I have met so many incredible women that I feel so blessed to have in my life.  I have grown so much confidence. I know that I belong in this sport rather than feeling extremely lost. I have been inspired to help others and to follow my dreams. I have gained Gina and Tony as family. They support me in everything that I do. Tony even ordained my wedding! This company has completely changed my life for the better. 

What challenges do you face being a female in action sports?

I think the biggest challenge is convincing others that snowboarding is not just a man’s sport. I get “that’s so dangerous” or “why would you put yourself in so much risk” all the time. People don’t understand that it is my passion in life and that I would rather die doing it than to not do it at all. I hate how it is almost always geared towards guys too. They get the better prizes in almost every competition (except SheShreds). Snowboarding to me is so life changing and I couldn’t imagine my life without it. I will never let what someone says stop me from doing anything that I love. 

How do you inspire others as a Gold Ambassador? 

I really try to encourage more girls to get out there and try new things. I am always pushing myself to my limits. I try to help girls to understand that doing these action sports will not always be easy but it is so worth it to pursue. I also have a blog (www.activebeautyblog.com) in which I promote a healthier lifestyle for everyone. I was getting a lot of questions about what I do to stay in shape and if I could be a trainer. I didn’t have a ton of extra time so I thought that creating a free blog where I could share things that I thought were helpful would be the perfect thing to do. 

What are your goals in your sport?  

I think that my biggest goals right now are to learn a wildcat or a backflip. I am always working on several so a few other snowboarding goals are: dropping bigger cliffs, backside 360, larger urban features, and having more confidence in things I can already do. Some goals for the fitness part of my life are: eating cleaner, continuing to post weekly on the blog, and working out five days a week at a minimum. 

Where is the most unusual place you have done your sport?

I would probably have to say when I practice at my apartment complex with no snow on the ground. I always get a lot of questions about what I am doing and weird stares. I have also had the opportunity to snowboard in September once at Copper Mountain which may not be an unusual place but definitely an unusual time of the year. 

What has been your most memorable moment so far? 

I think my most memorable moment in my sport was winning the Intermediate SheShreds Jamboree. I thought that I hadn’t placed after I had seen who had gotten third and second. I literally turned to my mom, who was there for support and told her I knew I hadn’t placed. The next thing I know they are calling my name for FIRST place. I won the Niche snowboard that I had been wanting all season and was so stoked that I was among some very talented riders. 

Hayley inspiring health and fitness with her Active Beauty Blog

Who/what are your inspirations?

Gina Duffy is a HUGE inspiration to me. She went completely after her dreams to start this incredible company and never stops being fearless. I look up to her in many ways. She never lets anything get in her way and strives to be better each day. She is a great example to all the women in our crew. We are all so grateful for her in our lives. 

Favorite thing about SheShreds products?

I would have to say the sisterhood that comes behind it. I know whenever I am wearing SheShreds gear I either get a lot of questions about it or I have another sister come up to me and introduce herself. I love meeting the SheShreds crew. I also love being able to introduce new women to the brand. SheShreds is so important to me and has changed my life, so I love being able to share that with others too.