From the moment we were introduced to Felicia, she's become a seamless and valued member of the KAVU family. It's true that she's extremely talented, and a consummate professional, but it's her enthusiasm for life, and her calm, good vibe- full-value stoke for all she does... that's most contagious. She continually shows her character as someone who "walks the walk" while remaining approachable and open to all life has to offer. Felicia is the ultimate example of someone you might meet and because of her humble demeanor, be left unaware of what a total badass she is.
But make no mistake, she is truly one of the very best parachute athletes in the world and we're proud to have her on our team to promote living our best life, while spreading positive vibes wherever we can! Felicia is simply KAVU to the core.
If you'd like to learn more about this unique and awesome human.... Read on!!
When you were a kid what did you want to “be” when you grew up?
I was pretty convinced I was going to be a pro soccer player. It felt like soccer was my whole life when I was a kid. I got to play college soccer, which was part of the dream, but after I found parachutes I never looked back.
Did you do the “standard” school route? Or did you take more of an unconventional approach to education?
I definitely went an unconventional route. I went to the U.S. Air Force Academy and graduated in 2015. I commissioned as an officer in the Air Force and served a little over 7 years on active duty. Going to a military college/joining the military was a pretty wild and challenging experience, but something I’m grateful for every day. It really set my whole life up for success. I got an education with zero student loans, had a guaranteed job, learned a lot about myself, and walked away with countless benefits.
How did you get started doing what you do as a professional athlete for Team KAVU? Can you elaborate a bit on your journey of becoming a pro athlete?
Man, it really seems like this all happened by accident and that I hit the lottery. I never really expected jumping to turn into something I could be a “pro athlete” at. I’ve always just done what I thought was the most fun. Somehow, approaching jumping that way (as a professional) is what helped me progress the most and created a lot of opportunity. I found myself jumping a lot with Jesse Hall, who's been on Team KAVU for a long while now, starting in 2020. From there, it seemed like a natural fit for me to be a part of the team.
What are you most passionate about? In other words, if you finished checking off all the things on your “responsibilities” list, and you had a day fully free and open to do anything you wanted, what would you do?
Usually in my free time, all I can think about is flying parachutes. The best days are when I get to use multiple parachutes. Maybe I'd start the morning off with a sunrise BASE jump, then a speed flight, and then hit the drop zone for a few skydives with some friends. After that, a sunset BASE jump or speed flight to top it off. That would be an epic KAVU day!
What is your favorite thing to do that is not related to the "sports things" you get paid to do as an athlete?
I love rollerblading! I also will admit, I love playing Nintendo when I have some down time....
How many years have you been a KAVU athlete? Do you have a favorite memory/ trip over the years of being on Team KAVU?
I’m the new kid on the block! I’ve been a KAVU athlete for just under two years now. My favorite trip was going to Seattle to do a parachute demo with Jesse, right next to the Space Needle. Barry and the crew treated us to an unforgettable Washington adventure.
What is your favorite part about being on Team KAVU, and what makes it special to you?
Being a part of the KAVU team is a dream come true, and I feel like it aligns perfectly with the way I want to live my life. "Designed for fun"; the philosophy to make the most of every day and build fun into everything we do.... Yeah, exactly! I’m such a big fan of this brand, their products, and everything KAVU stands for. I didn’t know it was possible to find a company so authentic and supportive of the way I approach things. Plus, they make a lot of things in orange ;)
Have you ever had any close calls/ injuries/ near death experiences in your sport/ craft? What did you learn/ take away from this moment?
Yeah, for sure I've had a couple close calls.
I’ve been lucky enough to avoid any injuries so far, but the close calls serve as really valuable lessons. Sometimes it can be so hard to admit you messed up, but you can learn so much from your mistakes and that ultimately makes you a better and safer jumper in the long run.
What do you feel is your most important resource in life, and why is it the most important resource to you?
Family and time are the most important things to me in life. I am so lucky to have a family that loves and respects me for who I am. They are so supportive of me pursuing these crazy passions. They are the one constant in my life I can always count on, no matter how I’m feeling. Maybe some people feel a bit crazy when they have to spend time with their parents, but for me, they make me feel less crazy and grounded again.
What is a piece of wisdom you would give to a graduating high school class?
Try to not get so focused on your end-goal that you lose out on everything in between. Maybe it’s cliché, but the journey to your goals can be just as fun. Especially in air sports, everyone gets caught up comparing themselves to others and too focused on where they want to be. Often, it seems like they will never have fun until they get to that goal. Turns out the path to get there is the most fun you could be having. Take a step back and enjoy it!
What book are you reading right now?
Greenlights, by Matthew McConaughey.
What is your favorite food to cook/ make?
I have a pretty strong obsession with avocado toast at the moment, or just toast in general.
Have you learned/ started anything new recently?
I recently got really interested in photography, specifically in skydiving. So, I’ve been trying to get better at understanding cameras and post-processing images. It’s really fun and challenging combining it all. Climbing gets me out in nature and I also recently got my private pilot license. I’m still very new to General Aviation and learning a lot about flying airplanes.
Felicia Sturgeon
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Photos courtesy of: Rocko Menzyk, Felicia Sturgeon and The KAVU archives.
Interview by KAVU
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