Elyssa Watford – Setter & Assistant Coach
Elyssa’s passion for climbing began in 2007 after summiting Mt. Rainier in Washington State. Since then, her primary climbing pursuits have focused on mountaineering in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. In college, she started rock climbing recreationally and climbed off and on until moving to Fairbanks in 2017 to pursue a Ph.D. in Wildlife Biology. In Fairbanks, she learned to lead climb and also started climbing ice. Her favorite places to rock climb are Joshua Tree and Red Rock Canyon, and she loves the mountainous playground of Alaska. In 2020 Elyssa joined Team Ascension as a Recreation Class Instructor. She now also coaches Ascension’s Youth Club and Junior Team, as well as leading Ladies Night. Elyssa was a collegiate rower, so she understands it takes hard work and discipline to be a competitive athlete. She aims to encourage youth climbers to be well-rounded athletes and individuals. When not climbing, Elyssa is usually skiing, paddling, or spending time outside with her dogs.
