Hough received her nickname, Tuffy, from her stepfather because she did daring skating moves. She competed early in her career with Kevin Wheeler, winning the 1982 novice title. Hough teamed up with
Doug Ladret in the summer of 1984. and spent four years touring with
Stars on Ice. Following a thirteen-year hiatus from performing, Hough-Sweeney took part in two seasons of
Battle of the Blades, paired with
Tie Domi in season 1 and
Russ Courtnall in season 2. ==Personal life==