A native of Buckley, Washington, Stroud was an all state wrestler and state champion while attending White River high school. Stroud also won a folkstyle national title during her time in high school. In her first season at McKendree University, Stroud was ranked as high as seventh in the nation compiling a record of 10-9 on the year. Stroud would go on to finish eighth at the NCWWC tournament to secure All - American honors. Stroud would follow things up in the 2021 season with an overall record of 9-6 and a national ranking of fourth in the country.