A graduate of the University of Tennessee, she was a varsity student-athlete on the Lady Vol on the women's crew team. Higdon also has been a swim instructor and aquatics manager at several private facilities since 1998. She is Red Cross CPR/PR, First Aid, WSI and Lifeguard certified, and is also IFPA (International Fitness Professionals of America) certified as a personal trainer.

Higdon graduated from Columbia Central High School in Tennessee, where she was a 4-year member and team captain of the volleyball team and member of the Honor Society, Beta Club and Art Club. She was a Congressional nominee for the U.S. Air Force Academy and active participant in the National Young Leader's program.

Piror to arriving at GC, Higdon most recently was a swim instructor and lifeguard at the Westside Family YMCA in Knoxville, TN. 

Besides her current involvement in triathlon competitions, she has also served as a volunteer fire fighter in Knoxville and has provided recreational swim instruction for persons with mental, emotional and physical disabilities at an adaptive recreation center in Knoxville.