Eleanor Knight: From Kayaking the World's Toughest Rivers to UW Law at 19
In this episode, Jason Cavness talks with Eleanor Knight, a world-class whitewater kayaker, entrepreneur, and soon-to-be law student at the University of Washington. From running her first summer camp at 11, to building a swim school at 15, to earning a bronze medal on the world stage Eleanor's story is one of grit, curiosity, and relentless focus.
She shares what extreme kayaking taught her about fear, leadership, and discipline and how those same lessons drive her toward a future in business and law. About the Guest Eleanor Knight is a professional kayaker, entrepreneur, and University of Washington student heading to law school. She has represented the U.S. at the World Championships in freestyle kayaking, finishing 3rd globally.
A lifelong athlete and founder of Droplet Swim School, Eleanor has balanced sports, academics, and entrepreneurship with an uncommon clarity of purpose. She's also a writer for The Daily UW and part of Young Tech, a Seattle-based founder network connecting early-stage entrepreneurs.
We Talk About
• Getting accepted into law school at the University of Washington
• Starting Droplet Swim School at 15 and building early business instincts
• Lessons learned from competing at the Kayak World Championships
• How to balance risk, performance, and passion
• The beauty and danger of kayaking the world's most intense rivers
• What entrepreneurship and extreme sports have in common
• Mental toughness and staying calm under pressure
• The rescue story that changed how she approaches life and leadership
• Young Tech and community-building in Seattle's startup scene
• Networking advice for introverts who want real connections •
The discipline behind elite athletic performance •
Building confidence as a young woman in high-pressure environments
• Her transition from athlete to future attorney
• Why leadership is about precision, not control
• Preparing mentally for law school and future challenges
Guest Advice "Being calm under pressure is something kayaking taught me. If you can stay focused when the river turns against you you can handle anything in life.
Connect with Eleanor Knight
• Instagram → @eleanorrknight
• LinkedIn → Eleanor Knight
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