A 1982 graduate of the University of Maryland, Bolstad etched her name in Terrapin history, setting the school record for both the 1-meter and 3-meter events, while finishing as an ACC finalist and NCAA Zone Qualifier. She also captured the 1-meter Eastern Collegiate Championship as a junior and was recognized by the University with MVP honors and was named the school's outstanding scholar athlete.

Following her graduation, Bolstad earned a Master's Degree in Sports Psychology at Ithaca College while serving as the school's graduate assistant diving coach. During her tenure as diving coach with the Bombers, Bolstad produced three NCAA Division III All-Americans.

Bolstad next moved to Vassar College in 1983 where she remained until taking the position at Marist in 1989. While at Vassar, she produced many state finalists, a NYS state champion and a two-time NCAA Division III All-American.

While at Marist, she has coached 13 athletes to MAAC Divers of the Meet honors since the Red Foxes joined the MAAC in 1996. She has also coached her son Brian to a spot atop the MAAC and Marist All-Time Record Books. Brian Bolstad is the current holder of the highest six dive point total in the 3-meter in the MAAC with 350.0, as well as the Marist record in the 1-meter of 338.92 points. During the four years of tutelage under Coach Bolstad, Brian earned the 2010 ECAC titles in the 1- and 3-meter board, as well as the Diver of the Meet award. He completed his career with a school-record 10th place finish at the NCAA Zone A Diving meet.

Bolstad-trained divers have claimed 32 conference championships and received conference Diver of the Year honors 19 times.

She presently resides in Highland, N.Y., with her husband.