How Ad Creative Student, Courtney Bayley, Turns Athletic Drive into Academic Success
Bayley, a senior studying advertising creative at Michigan State University, shares how her success in athletics growing up still benefits her to this day
By: Sophie Wirth
Before she was crafting advertising strategies, senior advertising creative student, Courtney Bayley was racing down mountains at record speeds. Bayley is a former competitive ski racer who competed at the Pinnacle Junior Olympics in Naeme, Japan, in 2019. She learned early on that success comes from focus, discipline and determination, which are lessons that she channels into her ad creative studies.
Growing up as an athlete taught Bayley more than just how to compete; it also taught her personal drive.
“Being an athlete really gave me the motivation to want to be better in all aspects of my life,” she said. “Having something to look forward to after school, like skiing, pushed me to work harder in my academics, too.”
For Bayley, the partnership between competitive skiing and advertising is clear. Both require focus, creativity and the ability to perform under pressure.
“I think the biggest thing I’ve learned from all my accomplishments is discipline,” she said. “You must be consistent and stay focused under pressure. Having two big commitments in my life taught me how to balance my time and stay dedicated to both.”
Bayley says that when she’s working on an important advertising project, she uses methods to reduce her stress and keep her focused that she would use before a big ski competition.
“Coming prepared for class, or a presentation helps reduce any anxiety that I have. I use the discipline that I learned throughout skiing to regulate my time management within my academics,” she said.
Bayley’s competitive background has shaped her perspective in her field of study. She credits her success in advertising to the drive and creativity that first formed during her years as a racer.
“I definitely think my experience as a ski racer has influenced my success in advertising,” said Bayley. “Advertising is all about pushing yourself and your mind. Being around people who pushed me to do my best made me want to excel in my major, too.”
Looking ahead, Bayley says she dreams of taking her energy and creativity to a large advertising agency after graduation.
From standing on ski podiums in Japan to crafting campaigns in the classroom, Bayley’s drive to win doesn’t end when the race does.
