Become a “Dancer to Watch”
Jordan Demetrius Lloyd ’16 has made a name for himself in the world of dance, landing on Dance Magazine’s 2023 25 to Watch series.
Read the storyBecome a “Dancer to Watch”While studying recreation management at SUNY Brockport, Jillian Vogtli ’96 was always focused on her long-term goal — to compete in the Winter Olympics as a member of the U.S. Ski Team.
“Only .003% of people make it to the Olympics to compete,” Vogtli said. She is one of them.
Vogtli grew up in Ellicottville, New York, a town in Western New York known for its skiing community. A major reason she chose SUNY Brockport was because it was close enough for her to be able to go home and ski on the weekends.
“I came from a town that was rich with big hearts.”
Jillian Vogtli ’96
“With skiing, people assume you come from a lot of money, and I didn’t,” Vogtli said. “I came from a town that was rich with big hearts and people who wanted to help.”
Throughout her time at Brockport, Vogtli skied and worked at Holiday Valley, where teaching others strengthened her own foundation. After graduating in 1996, she headed west for an internship in Mountain Home, Idaho.
“I had $204 to my name,” Vogtli said.
Vogtli later moved to Park City, Utah, where a local freestyle skiing team supported her development, which eventually led to her qualifying for the U.S. Ski team, which is structured across four tiers: A, B, C, and D.
“They brought me under their wings,” Vogtli said. “I qualified for the D team, the development team.”
Vogtli continued competing and advancing from regional events to the World Cup core team. In 1996, she won the moguls circuit on the Nor-Am Cup, securing her spot on the team.
“I had to get back up and keep striving.”
Jillian Vogtli ’96
“I had put myself on the A team and was now jockeying for a position on the U.S. Olympic team,” Vogtli said. “I had to continually better my best, standing in front of judges and coaches who told me, ‘You’re not good enough.’ I had to get back up and keep striving.”
Vogtli went on to compete as a two-time Olympian at the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics and the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy, in the freestyle skiing events of moguls and dual moguls.
Jillian Vogtli in 2006 Winter Olympics
NBC coverage of Jillian Vogtli ’96 competing in the finals during the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy.
“It was surreal,” she said. “I’ve had 13 knee surgeries at this point, and people ask, ‘Is it worth it?’ and I say, ‘Absolutely.’”
One of her most meaningful Olympic memories was sharing the experience with those closest to her. “Seeing my family and friends who made the trip was so memorable.”
Despite traveling the world, Vogtli remains deeply connected to Western New York. “There’s such a community of heart,” she said. “People rally around one another and watch out for one another.”
Today, Vogtli runs her own business, Jillian R. Vogtli, as a shaman and holistic health and wellness coach, helping others find growth and balance in their lives. “I had so much time focused on me, and now I can take that passion and pour it toward others and help them stand back up and keep going.”
Jillian Vogtli ’96 at the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame induction.
In November 2025, Vogtli was inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.
“I looked into the crowd, and there were three tables of people supporting me, even now,” Vogtli said. “That’s what is unique about Western New York and Brockport. It’s like a hug.”
For students chasing big goals, Vogtli offers simple advice. “It’s easy to say it’s too hard. Those are the times when I would double down and get resourceful. We all have our own versions of the Olympics.”
Related Stories
Fight Against Fraud
Karen Webber ’09/’10 combined her roles as a CPA and founder of a software company to combat financial exploitation.
Read the storyFight Against Fraud