graduated from the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado with a degree in Finance and earned three certificates from the University of Denver in Petroleum Land Management. From a young age, Wickes was drawn to horses, beginning lessons at the age of 5. After a brief hiatus, she rekindled her passion for equestrian sports by joining the University of Colorado’s Equestrian Team in 2010, contributing to the team's success, including qualifying for nationals both as a team and individually in her junior and senior years. After graduation, she pursued her equestrian ambitions, working towards her higher-level jumper goals.