I still remember walking into Summit for the first time. It was the fall of 2022, the start of my sophomore year at UW-Madison. Over the summer, I met friends who were big into climbing and convinced me to give it a try. Through them, I found the Hoofers Mountaineering Club and, curious to see what a climbing practice looked like, signed up for a trial session with their climbing team. The trial practice, hosted at Summit, introduced me to an entirely new way to train. I had to push myself both mentally and physically, surrounded by total strangers — and, somehow, I was immediately hooked.
As a near-brand-new climber, joining HMC’s climbing team was intimidating. During those earlier practices, I constantly had second thoughts, comparing myself to others and worrying that I was holding the group back by being such a beginner. My lifting background helped me feel more at home during strength and core circuits, but climbing drills felt clumsy and embarrassing. It was nice to have a guaranteed workout twice a week, but I often wondered why I was putting myself through it.
Then one day, it all started to click.
Discovering the Joy of Competition
Everything changed when I attended my first bouldering competition with the team. I had never imagined myself competing in a climbing comp—especially not so early in my journey. At first, I had no interest. Competitions weren’t required for team members, as the focus was more on improving and having fun; and as a former high school tennis player, I knew how tough competition could be on my mental game.
But my teammates encouraged me to give it a shot. They told me climbing comps were different—focused on personal progress, support, and community. Everyone just wanted each other to do their best, whatever that looked like.
Eventually, I signed up for the beginner category, unsure of what to expect but open to the experience. I braced myself for whatever the day would bring.
That day, I showed up feeling sick with nerves. I didn’t think I belonged there, and I was sure I’d embarrass myself. But from the moment I walked in, my teammates were right by my side. They encouraged every attempt, celebrated every send, and reminded me that trying hard was what mattered most.
By the end of the day, I wasn’t focused on how I ranked–I was proud just for showing up, pushing myself, and having fun. I realized then that this wasn’t just a one-off event or a new hobby. I had found something special. It was not just climbing anymore–I was building something that would become one of the most important parts of my college experience.
Finding My Place at Summit
Practices began to feel like home quickly. Summit became the place I looked forward to being every week, both for the workouts and for the people. My teammates became a family away from home, something I desperately needed after a difficult freshman year spent struggling to find a connection.
Over time, I made major improvements, both mentally and physically, reaching strength goals I never thought possible for myself. I went from knowing nothing about climbing to looking forward to it more than anything else. I went from feeling lost and isolated to finding a true passion, surrounded by friendly faces. Before climbing, I couldn’t do a single pull-up could do five in a row!
This was when I signed up for my very first outdoor climbing trip.
Taking on the Outdoors
I didn’t quite know what to expect when I signed up for HMC’s spring break trip to Red Rocks. Climbing outside felt daunting–so much bigger and less controlled than the gym walls I’d grown used to. But thanks to the preparation and support I received at Summit, I was ready to take that next step.
Summit’s dreaded “time on the wall” drills had been a game changer for me. These endurance-focused sessions taught me how to pace myself and stay mentally present during long climbs. Rope climbing requires a unique kind of stamina, both physical and emotional, and those drills built up my confidence to tackle routes I once thought were out of reach. Summit didn’t just train my body; it trained my mind to stay calm, focused, and persistent.
That trip came at a pivotal moment in my life. A tough breakup and the loss of close family members had left me feeling completely lost. But on that trip, climbing became my anchor. Every route I completed felt like reclaiming a piece of myself–a reminder of my strength. Surrounded by the family I had found through Summit’s and HMC, I felt powerful again.
For me, that trip wasn’t just about climbing; it was about growth and healing. It solidified how much Summit had shaped me over the past year, giving me the tools, strength, and community to rise to any challenge.
Stepping into Leadership
After another full year on the team—loving my biweekly nights at Summit and attending as many competitions and events as I could—I was shocked to be nominated for the HMC climbing team captain position. I was even more shocked when my teammates elected me.
I still felt like a brand-new climber, with so much left to learn. How could I lead this incredible group, most of whom climbed at a higher level than me? Those doubts crept in, and I found myself falling into old patterns of comparison.
The doubts lingered through the summer, until senior year practices—the ones I’d be leading—were about to begin. One day, I opened up to a close teammate about my worries. He reminded me why I was elected: the connections I’d built through the team and Summit, my dedication, and my mental strength. He was genuinely excited to have me as a leader, which gave me the boost I needed.
Once the year began, my worries faded. I reflected on the difficult times I’d overcome with Summit’s training and support, and I realized I was ready. Summit gave me the confidence to lead and start giving back to the community that had done so much for me.
That year became one of the most rewarding of my life. I built deeper bonds with teammates, grew closer to the Summit and HMC communities, and felt more connected than ever to the people and place that had helped me grow.
Organizing Kubi’s Klassik at Summit
As the spring semester wrapped up, we started planning Summit’s annual Kubi’s Klassik bouldering competition. I thought about how smoothly the event had run in past years and started doubting whether I could pull it off just as well. I poured countless hours into prep and stressed over every email I sent about route setting and marketing. What if I wasn’t doing enough?
But when comp day arrived, everything fell into place. We had more sign-ups than I’d seen in my time on the team, and the energy in the gym was electric. Climbers and spectators alike were thrilled with the creative categories we’d included, and the entire day flowed seamlessly.
As always, the Summit community came through for me, turning my nerves into pride. The day was a huge success, full of laughter, fun, and incredible climbs. By the end, I was left wondering why I’d been so worried in the first place.
A New Chapter with Summit
As graduation from UW-Madison quickly approached, I found it hard to imagine leaving behind the world that had shaped me so profoundly. Over the past three years, Summit and HMC have become my home, my family, and the source of so much growth. Saying goodbye felt impossible.
During our final practices of the year—as seniors exchanged heartfelt goodbyes—Keith Kubiesa, our coach and Summit’s owner, approached me with an unexpected offer. Summit needed help in the marketing department for the summer, and I jumped at the opportunity.
I thought my time at Summit and in Madison was over, but now I have the chance to give back to the place that taught me so much. Summit helped me discover strength, resilience, and connection, and as I step into this new role, I feel ready to take on any challenge that comes my way.
Final Thoughts
Over the last three years, climbing has taught me that strength isn’t just about physical ability–it’s about persistence, connection, and believing in yourself. Summit became more than a gym; it became a symbol of what’s possible when you surround yourself with people who believe in you.
As I move forward, I carry Summit’s lessons with me: to approach every wall–physical or mental–with curiosity, determination, and gratitude for the journey.
Whether you’re a seasoned climber or someone just curious to try, I hope my story inspires you to take that first step. You never know–the community you find, the strength you build, and the heights you reach might just change your life, too.
Megan Lambrecht-Scasny