Since its founding, the University of Missouri-Kansas City has always strived for excellence both in and out of the classroom. For some UMKC alumni, that push toward greatness has taken them all the way to the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Four Roos have reached that peak, representing not only the United States, but also the countries of Austria and France.
“UMKC has a rich history of attracting people from across the globe,” said UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal. “It is no surprise these Roos found success not only in the classroom, but also on their respective field of play.”
Courtney Frerichs (B.A. ’15), 2016 Rio Olympics and 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Olympic silver medalist and UMKC alumna Courtney Frerichs raced to a silver medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in the 3000-meter steeplechase. After the 2020 Olympics, she reset her American record in the event, becoming the first American woman to break the nine-minute barrier.
During her athletic career at UMKC, the native of Nixa, Missouri, was an 11-time conference champion, five-time All-American and set seven school records.
Frerichs intended to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics but announced in May that she had undergone surgery to repair a torn ACL and meniscus in her right knee. Her intention is to heal and return to the track, saying on social media, “I hold hope that I will be back out there again as a healthier and stronger version of myself.” Frerichs is married to fellow alum, Griffin Humphreys (B.B.A. ’16), who currently serves as an assistant cross country coach at Portland State University.
Antoine Rozner (B.B.A. ’16), 2020 Tokyo Olympics
French professional golfer and UMKC alumnus Antoine Rozner attended UMKC from 2012 to 2016, notching six wins as a Roo. He played in the 2016 NCAA Division 1 Men’s Golf Championship where he tied for 8th place, and was also named Western Conference Player of the Year. The Paris, France native turned professional the year he graduated and played for Europe in the 2016 Arnold Palmer Cup, winning all four of his matches.
“I didn’t know what to expect coming from Paris,” said Rozner. "UMKC was a lovely four years, and I’d do it again.”
Fast forward four years, Rozner earned a spot representing his home country in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, which were held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Rozner placed 45th in individual competition. Currently Rozner plays on the European Tour and has three tour wins, including the 2022 AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open.
Viola Kleiser (B.A. ’12), 2014 Sochi Olympics
Former UMKC sprinter Viola Kleiser made history when she represented her home country of Austria in the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Kleiser and her teammate were the first women to qualify in bobsleigh for the Olympic Games in Austrian history. Yes, despite being a track and field student-athlete at UMKC, Kleiser competed at the Olympics in an entirely different sport.
During her time as a Roo, the Reichersdorf, Austria native set a then-school record in the 200-meter dash at the 2012 Summit League Indoor Championships with a time of 25.17. Upon leaving UMKC, Kleiser began speed and strength training back home. Just a week later, the Austrian National bobsleigh team asked her to try out. She made the team as a lead pusher, later competing at the 2013 Bobsleigh World Cup and then the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where she finished 15th.
Kleiser currently serves as a coach for the Austrian Athletics Federation.
The Hon. Sarah Castle (J.D. ’12), 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 Paralympics
Castle is a four-time Paralympian, competing and earning medals in both swimming and basketball. During her first games in 2000, Castle claimed the silver medal while competing in the breaststroke. She would finish fourth in the same event four years later, before switching sports for the 2008 and 2012 games. As a member of the paralympic basketball team, Castle earned a gold medal at the 2008 games and finished fourth in 2012.
