A Slippery Rock University alumna recently stepped onto one of the world’s biggest stages, not as an athlete, but as a key contributor behind the scenes. Zoe Johnson, ’24, attended the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, in a professional role, serving as coordinator of board administration and engagement for the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
Having worked for the USOPC since June 2025, Johnson accepted an offer to travel to the Winter Olympics to support the development team’s hospitality program. Once in Italy, Johnson worked as a Silver Program Host, helping create meaningful, firsthand experiences for guests and donors attending snow sport events. Although the games were held across eight host cities in Italy, Johnson was based in Milan, which hosted men’s and women’s skating events, including figure skating, speed skating and ice hockey.
Johnson’s experience went beyond just attending competitions. By connecting donors directly with the athletes and the environment they help support, the program creates a deeper understanding of the impact behind their contributions.
Johnson’s path to the global stage began at SRU, where she studied sport management. During her time at SRU, she focused on hands-on learning, completing four practicums and two internships that helped shape her career direction.
“I spent more time outside the classroom than I did in the physical rooms, and that really helped me determine where I wanted to go with my own path,” Johnson said. “For my capstone internship, I was able to do it with the USA Triathlon, which was my entrance into the Olympic and Paralympic movement. After, I very quickly decided that that’s where I wanted my career to go.
When I saw that there was an opportunity at USOPC, it was a no-brainer to apply for it.”
Thanks to her academic background, she came prepared.
“When I was at SRU, I added a minor of philanthropy and nonprofit management because I wanted to weave sport and community impact together,” Johnson said. “Now, I’m able to see how my day-to-day job is impacting our athletes. I’m able to see that my job is bettering their lives so that they can play to their fullest potential.”
When looking back, Johnson credits the SRU community and faculty with helping guide her path and build her confidence.
“The sport management faculty played a huge part in determining where I was going and what I really enjoyed,” Johnson said. “I have to give a lot of credit to Dr. (Brian) Crow for how much he was able to let me figure most of it out on my own, while also being there if I needed support.”
When asked what advice she would offer to current and future SRU students, Johnson emphasized the importance of embracing uncertainty and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone.
“Take risks,” she said. “I was very timid about going to SRU because I was afraid to move from Cleveland, Ohio. It was a two-hour drive, a huge step. But, after I graduated, I moved all the way to Colorado, which is a lot further than two hours. But I knew that I had a strong support system. That if I failed, I’d be able to get back on my feet. I wouldn’t have been able to do that without taking risks. You have to be comfortable with the uncomfortable.”
Johnson’s story demonstrates the importance of hands-on learning, a supportive college community and personal dedication. Her work at the 2026 Winter Olympics highlights her own achievements, as well as her appreciation of SRU itself.
More information about sport management and philanthropy and nonprofit management at SRU is available on the program’s webpages.
