Student-Athlete Spotlight: Jaime Bronga, Nordic Skiing

Born and raised in Anchorage, Jaime Bronga didn't plan to stay in Alaska for college. She searched the nation for schools with skiing programs, but ultimately came to the realization that UAA is an ideal place for her to continue developing as a skier.

"I decided that skiing would be my priority, and at UAA I can balance skiing and studying," she said. "I know how to ski and train in Anchorage, and I knew that I'd be able to focus on my skiing at UAA."

Jaime, a UA Scholar, graduated in the top of her East High School class, qualifying her for a partial scholarship to any University of Alaska campus. "It makes college affordable," Jaime said.

The East High grad considers skiing her job. Jaime explained that every athlete has had to strike a balance their whole life, so by the time they reach college, they're pretty good at maintaining that balance.

Jaime is a key player on the Seawolf ski team, made up of 11 Nordic skiers and 14 alpine skiers. Although Nordic and alpine skiers don't compete together, each person's individual scores are combined. She explained that someone she doesn't have much to do with could affect her overall results. "It brings an additional twist to the sport and adds some excitement," she said. "Even if I'm not having a good day, I'll still put in 100 percent because I know that it's a team effort. We're making skiing a team sport, and I enjoy contributing to a team."

The team recently posted a program-best second-place finish at the Rocky Mountain Intercollegiate Ski Association Championship / NCAA West Regional Championships in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Jaime placed eighth in the women's 15K freestyle race with a time of 42:46.5. "We're going up against teams from across the U.S.," Jaime said. "We're really fortunate for that because it's making us better athletes."

The success doesn't stop there. The Seawolves produced a record-high 17 student-athletes on the 2010 National Ski Coaches Association All-Academic team. Jaime is one of those student-athletes; it's her second time to earn this incredible honor. To qualify for the team, a student-athlete must participate at the regional meet and finish the fall term with a 3.5 GPA or higher.

Though Jaime and the team are on the road a lot, she said UAA and the Athletics Department have many resources available to help student-athletes succeed. "No matter what, school is the priority," she said.

For this math lover, choosing to major in engineering was a natural choice. "I really like math and I knew I wanted a career that doesn't require a master's degree," Jaime said. She's currently a sophomore majoring in civil engineering and plans to head straight to work after college.

When she's not skiing or studying, Jaime spends her extra time volunteering with UAA's student chapter of Engineers Without Borders. The group, made up of 18 active members, is currently working to develop a system to improve the quality of drinking water for and overall health of an orphanage in Tiko, Cameroon. Jaime helps coordinate the group's fundraising efforts to raise money for supplies and travel costs.

Jaime's ski plans after college are still open. "If I'm skiing really well, I'll continue skiing after college. You don't invest this much time into something to not have big goals." Perhaps the UAA community will have a special reason to watch the 2014 Olympics?