About me!

Hi! my name is Katie Histed and I'm a Motivational Juggling Instructor! Looking back, I think Alley-Oop Adventures actually started when I was about 13 years old, stacking up a rack of gym mats to build a ramp so my teammates and I could dunk on the hoop because I was bored at practice (hellllo first concussion!). I have always been able to make a game out of pretty much anything. Fueled competition in all my environments and been able to create fun adventures and experiences to help people break their routines.

 

With a natural ability to create fun wherever I go, my background as a Division one college basketball player (University of Pittsburgh) and almost 15 years in corporate hospitality as a Security Director and Corporate Trainer. I possess a unique skillset to help motivate all sorts of teams through personalized event programming with a focus on juggling instruction. I've always been good at achieving what goals I set for myself. After a recent yearlong adventure,  I've set a new goal for myself. To give 5,000 juggling lessons. 

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Here's a few thing significant turns in my life that led me towards this goal:​

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• A few years ago, I got hit by a truck on my bicycle and would have no-doubt died without my helmet. I took this as a sign from above I needed to re-evaluate my life and began meditating daily.   

• I quit my corporate job as a security director in the hospitality sector after almost 15 years and set two goals for myself. 

  1. Take a year off of "work" to travel and spend time with the people I love. 

  2. I would get outside, do yoga, meditate and play fetch with my dog Willow everyday.

• I let go of my Santa Monica apartment, all of my belonging and became a nomad for 8 months. 

 

Here's a summary of my life over the past 12 months:

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• I've traveled over 80,000 miles and spent more time with my friends and family than I have over the past 15 years.

• I found joy in art, film and began several writing projects (more to come on this!)

• In the process of attempting 4 world records related to juggling and balance!

• Tracked over 400 hours and 600 miles of public juggling, maybe you've seen me around!

• Given 300+ free juggling lessons.

• Invented the perfect toy for my dog, Willow.

• While out juggling, met over 100 total strangers and had meaningful, impactful conversations. 

• By my estimation, gotten at least 1000 people to look up from their phones to see me juggling or doing some other shenanigans!

• Partnered with my old college teammate to create fun basketball camps as an effort to keep kids engaged in sports.

• Started a company with a goal of making a positive impact in the world by keeping kids engaged in sports and play and helping adults break their routines. 

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Through a year of transformation, I have confirmed the following:

1. I have an ability to shift perceptions, inspire and motivate people to break their routines. 

2. I am meant to work with kids and offer creative learning programs

3. I'm definitely on the right path in my adventure!

 

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