Upah was a 2008 graduate of Coe College with a triple major in writing, physical education, and public relations. During her time at Coe, Upah was involved in many campus organizations and was a member of Coe's softball and volleyball teams. A four-year varsity starter at setter, Upah was a three-time Academic All-Iowa Conference member and a 2007 CoSIDA/ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District First Team selection. She received First Team All-Iowa Conference honors as both a junior and senior, while being named honorable mention AVCA All-Central Region Team selection in 2006. 

During her junior campaign, she led the Kohawks to their first NCAA Division III Championship appearance. The owner of every assist record in Coe volleyball history, Upah tallied 4,868 career assists in 482 games, also a school record. For the 2007-08 academic year, she was recognized as the Duane Schroeder Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic ConferenceFemale Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

She is currently the Public Relations Coordinator and Assistant Director of Parent Programs at Coe College. In her spare time, Upah officiates high school volleyball in the Cedar Rapids metro.