“With my college graduation date drawing near, I have found myself spending an enormous amount of time contemplating my future. I have concluded at this time that my future will no longer include competing in luge,” wrote Margol, who graduated from Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing, in her retirement letter. “I’ve met my best friends, seen the world, and have found myself in the wonderful world of luge. As I step into the working world, I will take the values I have learned from the sport with me. I thank all of my teammates, coaches and staff from USA Luge for helping guide me and for helping build my character.”

Margol began racing on the senior World Cup tour during the 1998-99 season and competed in six-career world championship races. The 26-year-old also captured two Verizon North American Championship titles and a pair of Verizon U.S. National Championship crowns. As a junior (to age 20) slider, she also claimed the 2000 Junior World Championship silver medal and the 2001 Junior Worlds bronze medal.

“We wish Brenna all the best as she leaves the competitive arena of the sport, but look forward to her staying involved when she can to help us with the next generations of sliders” expressed Ron Rossi, USA Luge executive director. “We are proud of her for her efforts and accomplishments, but more so for the person she has become.”

Margol’s departure leaves USA Luge with five sliders vying for three remaining spots on the fall 2006 World Cup team (Erin Hamlin has locked up the lone reserved slot). As the World Cup tour only allows for the entry of four women’s singles sleds per nation into each event, still to be determined this summer, will be a method by which USA Luge will select the remaining three women that will actually race in the fall events.