Kelly Curtis: Springfield College Alum Carves Path to Olympic Skeleton Stardom
The global spotlight is once again on Kelly Curtis, a distinguished alumna of Springfield College, as she returns to the Winter Olympics for her second consecutive appearance. This time, Curtis enters the prestigious 2026 Milano Cortina Games as the United States' top-ranked skeleton athlete, a testament to her dedication, resilience, and the foundational athletic prowess honed during her time in Massachusetts.
A Familiar Face on the World Stage
The Springfield community, along with sports enthusiasts across the nation, recognized Curtis during the recent Opening Ceremony in Cortina. Representing Team USA’s skeleton contingent, the former track and field star's presence marks a significant milestone: she is the first Springfield College alum to compete in multiple Winter Olympics. Her journey from a multi-disciplinary collegiate athlete to an elite winter sports competitor is a compelling narrative of athletic evolution.
From Track & Field to the Ice Track
Curtis's path to the Olympic skeleton track was not a direct one. After a successful collegiate career at Springfield College, where she excelled in events like the heptathlon, winning the prestigious 2011 Penn Relays and earning multiple NCAA All-American honors, her athletic trajectory took an unexpected turn. The inspiration came from within the Springfield College athletic department itself.
Springfield's track and field coach, Jim Pennington, observed striking similarities between Curtis and another alum, Erin Pac, who had achieved bronze in two-woman bobsled at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Both were powerful, explosive heptathletes, leading Pennington to suggest that Curtis might also find success in a sliding sport. This suggestion, coupled with encouragement from strength and conditioning coach Dan Jaffe, who had personal experience in skeleton, planted the seed for a future Olympic dream.
Embracing the Skeleton Challenge
It wasn't until her graduate studies at St. Lawrence University that Curtis seriously considered the demanding world of skeleton. Initially, the idea seemed more like an intriguing possibility than a concrete career path. However, around 2014, she began training in bobsled, a related sliding sport. Springfield coaches facilitated connections, including with Erin Pac, who provided invaluable insight into the commitment required—a dedication of 8-12 years to reach the elite level.
"I was really grateful that she said that to me because the first couple of years, you don’t even know, at least for a skeleton slider, what you’re doing on the sled," Curtis recalled. "You think you’re doing steers and you’re not. It usually takes about four years to get to really settle into the sled and understand how your body interacts with your sled and your equipment."
This realization led Curtis to eventually transition fully to skeleton, a sport that demands incredible nerve, precision, and physical strength. Her dedication paid off, culminating in her current status as the highest-ranked American on the World Cup Tour.
A Global Athlete with Local Roots
Since 2020, Curtis has been an integral part of the U.S. Air Force’s World Class Athlete Program. This affiliation has seen her living and training at the Aviano Air Base in Northeastern Italy since 2022, positioning her strategically close to the very tracks where she will compete. This unique arrangement allows her to immerse herself in the European racing circuit while maintaining her military service.
"I’ve been setting everything up for these games," Curtis shared. "Since we moved out to Italy, I’ve met a lot of colleagues in the area who ... ask me what I’m doing in Italy, I’m like, ‘Well, I’m training for these Milano Cortina Games.’"
Her family's deep connection to Springfield College, with her father John and brother Jay having played football there, and her uncle also attending, contributed to a sense of belonging when she transferred. "Growing up, I would go to a lot of Springfield College events, like homecoming reunions. When I transferred to Springfield, it almost felt like going home because it felt so familiar," she said.
Looking Ahead to Milano Cortina
As the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics unfold, Kelly Curtis stands poised to make her mark. Ranked 16th in the world and leading the American contingent, her presence signifies not only personal triumph but also a proud moment for Springfield College and the broader US Olympic movement. Her journey underscores the power of athletic mentorship, the importance of embracing new challenges, and the enduring spirit of competition that defines an Olympian.
