kampf attended the university of minnesota in the twin cities and competed for the golden gophers track and field and cross country teams graduating in december 2009 with a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology. while at the university of minnesota kampf became the schools most decorated women's track and field athlete in history earning all-american honors eight-times, holding ten school records and becoming the only golden gopher to compete in every ncaa championship in cross country, indoor and outdoor track during her time at the university. as a freshman in 2006 kampf was the ncaa indoor track and field champion in the 800 meter race. in 2008 kampf won the university of minnesota's golden goldy female athlete of the year award.