|
Grizzly Cub Coach Biography I still remember my first pair of skis: Hart Gremlins with graphic rainbows. I even had matching poles with red snowflake-shaped baskets! I have been skiing for a whopping thirty years. Fourteen of these years were spent ski racing. I have dedicated eight years to ski education through coaching young skiers and ski racers. This will be my eighth winter at Snowbasin. This winter I am thrilled to help kick-off the Learn to Race program for children ages 5-6 called the “Grizzly Club.” Growing up in Westford, Massachusetts, I raced for USSA on the Nashoba Rover Ski Team and the Westford Academy Ski Team. My competition in the J3 Jr. Olympics back East was my peak race achievement. I appreciate the flow and art of skiing in my life and I never felt excessive pressure from myself or my parents. I was motivated to race because I enjoyed the competition. I continued to race in college for the University of Connecticut College Ski Team. On a side note, I met my husband Chris while racing for UConn. After completing my own racing career, I felt inspired to give back by coaching. My first experience as a ski coach was for the University of Connecticut Ski Team. I have coached with the Snowbasin Alpine team for the past seven years. This role has combined the teaching models of both PSIA and competitive ski racing. In terms of Credentials, I carry PSIA Certification for Alpine Level I, ACE Level I (Advanced Children’s Educator), and USSA Club Level Coaching. I love to visit all of our mountains in the Wasatch Range, and I have skied in Chamonix, France exploring glaciers and terrain with guides. My career as a physical therapist complements the biomechanics, balance, and movement analysis applied to coaching. What I have learned is that I still love to ski. Ski education keeps me on the cutting edge of the sport and racing techniques. I appreciate sharing the winter season with athletes to help guide their progression through on snow training and play. As a coach, I’ve been fortunate to work primarily with the younger athletes (ages 5-12). They are my favorite age to work with because they are free spirits and not overly analytical of their technique. My coaching philosophy is to maximize the natural potential in all young children. They are capable of learning technical material, but only disguised in skill games, all mountain skiing and riding, and through careful pacing. They naturally embody the joy of skiing. I have incorporated into my coaching my own sensitivity and instincts as a parent of my three year old son. He is my mentor for creating programs that inspire families and foster a life-long learning environment and love of skiing. I am truly excited for our winter together at the Snowbasin Grizzly Club. |