SCC Local Legend: Dorothy Sedovic

   

Every climber has a story about how they found the sport. Sometimes it begins with a lifelong dream, and sometimes it’s as simple as wandering into a climbing gym out of curiosity.

For Dorothy Sedovic, one visit to the climbing wall at her university’s recreation center turned into a decade-long passion for climbing—one that has introduced her to incredible places, lifelong friendships, and a community she now calls home.

Since moving to Chattanooga, Dorothy has discovered that climbing is about more than the routes you climb. It’s about the people you meet along the way. Through the Southeastern Climbers Coalition, she’s found opportunities to connect with fellow climbers, give back to the community, and celebrate the places that make the Southeast such a special place to climb.

Read on to learn more about Dorothy’s climbing journey and why supporting the SCC has become an important part of it.

What’s your favorite Southeastern climbing area?

Dorothy: “The Tennessee Wall. It’s my favorite place to spend a sunny winter day. It’s hard to pick my favorite climb, but I have to say Sanskrit at T-Wall is up there. I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve done it!”

There’s something special about finding a route that never gets old.

For Dorothy, Tennessee Wall has become that place. Between the breathtaking views, sunny winter days, and classic routes like Sanskrit, it’s a climbing area that continues to bring her back year after year.

How did you get started climbing?

Dorothy: “I’ve been climbing for about 10 years now. I started climbing in college. The university I went to had a rock wall in its rec center. One day I went to check it out and next thing I know, I’m headed to Arkansas for my first climbing trip!”

Sometimes all it takes is trying something new.

What began as a casual visit to a campus climbing wall quickly turned into weekends spent chasing new routes and exploring the outdoors. One climbing trip led to another, and before long climbing had become a defining part of Dorothy’s life.

How has climbing impacted your life?

Dorothy: “Climbing has been an important part of my life these last years. It’s how I connected with people whenever I moved somewhere new. It’s how I get outside and explore nature. Some of my happiest experiences have happened because of climbing.”

For Dorothy, climbing has always been about more than reaching the top.

It’s been a way to build friendships in unfamiliar places, spend time outside, and create memories that last a lifetime. No matter where life has taken her, climbing has provided a community waiting to welcome her.

How has the Southeastern Climbers Coalition impacted your relationship with climbing?

Dorothy: “The SCC has helped me find community here in Chattanooga. They help maintain the crag I love, and they throw a hell of a party (love me a BYOB)!”

The SCC isn’t just about protecting climbing access—it’s about bringing climbers together.

From community events like BYOB to volunteer opportunities throughout the year, the SCC creates spaces where climbers can connect, give back, and celebrate the places they love. Whether you’re helping check in guests at an event, pouring beers at a fundraiser, staffing a competition, or simply showing up to lend a hand, volunteering is one of the best ways to meet fellow climbers while supporting the organization’s mission.

For Dorothy, those events have helped transform Chattanooga from a new city into a place that feels like home.

Every SCC membership and every volunteer hour help make these gatherings possible while supporting conservation, climbing access, stewardship, and the community that surrounds them. Together, they ensure the Southeast remains an incredible place to climb for generations to come.

Become Part of the Story

Local Legends celebrates the people who make our climbing community stronger.

Whether you’re volunteering at an SCC event, becoming a member, attending a fundraiser like BYOB, or simply showing up to support the climbing community, every contribution helps protect the places we love and the community that makes them special.

Dorothy’s story is a reminder that climbing has an incredible way of bringing people together. By supporting the SCC, you’re not only helping protect climbing access across the Southeast—you’re becoming part of a community that welcomes new climbers, celebrates shared adventures, and works together to ensure these places remain open for years to come.

Become an SCC Member or sign up to volunteer at an upcoming event—we’d love to have you as part of the community.

Interested in volunteering for an event, joining a task force or the SCC Event Committee? send an email to maddi@seclimbers.org

Become an SCC Member!