How did this season, with an actual team, compare to racing by yourself?
“Having a full team of boys eligible for the section title and having Olivia represent us on the girls side was really a cool thing to be a part of. We haven’t had a ski team at White Plains in a long time. It’s really great to be part of this growing community and to be somewhat responsible for pioneering it.”
“In terms of racing by myself, it’s exponentially better to have people at school I can talk to about races and skiing, and to have other people representing White Plains at these races. Not to say I didn’t have fun before with Bronxville and New Rochelle, but it is even better racing with people from White Plains, Bronxville and New Rochelle all on the same team.”
How do you feel about your performance this season?
“In terms of my performance this season, I think I did everything I was looking to do and more. Obviously, my big goals were making sectionals and then, from there, making it to states, and I hit both of those. There were multiple scenarios where I was top three in races or within a tenth of a second of first place in league races. At sectionals, to have what you could call a comeback after what I would consider a subpar GS and then a very good slalom, and then to be selected as one of the top 11 racers in the section to represent White Plains and Section One at the state championship, is one of my biggest goals every season. As long as I race, it will continue to be a big goal of mine. That was definitely a big part of my performance this season.”
“Then to go to states and really push for a top-20 or top-15 finish, to be in 17th after the first GS run and then ultimately crash, and to have the same thing happen in slalom with a crash in my first run, definitely left a sour taste in my mouth. But you factor in knowing I could have done better, while also knowing I have more seasons ahead of me and that I gave it my all, and that was a big part of it.”
“To be invited to Easterns (Eastern High School Championship) after having a great season, and then going there, finishing both runs, getting to spend time with Team New York and being part of that team, was another long-term goal I was very happy to accomplish this season. Overall, I would say I accomplished everything I was looking for and more.”
What are the team’s main goals for next season?
“One of my big goals is to continue growing the skiing community at White Plains, even if that just means having another two or three people join next year. Eventually, getting to a point where the ski team is a recurring program, something people want to join, something people care about and dedicate themselves to, is really important. Building something lasting that could become part of my legacy is one of the biggest things, in my opinion.”
“If we’re talking skiing goals, my personal goal for next season is top three in the section, and then to parlay that into a top-10 finish at states. Team-wise, the biggest goal is to win the section, which I think we have a real shot at next year. If we can win the section, we’re not that far off from the state championship, and that’s the ultimate goal at the end of the day.”
How has competing in high school racing changed your perspective on the sport?
“It’s changed my perspective on how you can enjoy skiing and take advantage of everything you’re given and everything you’re surrounded with. For example, in Vermont, where I race club, a lot of alpine racing is heavily skewed toward ski racing academies. Races are often midweek, and the best training opportunities and equipment go to people who pay thousands of dollars a year to be part of these elite programs.”
“You grow up in an environment where there are hundreds of kids racing in U10 and U12, dozens in U14, and then, if you have a future in the sport, you’re expected to go to places like Burke Mountain Academy, Green Mountain Valley School or Northwoods Academy — programs with direct pipelines to college and professional skiing.”
“By the time you get to USSA or high school racing with your club team, it’s almost entirely academy skiers and very few weekend skiers like me, who train and race on weekends. You’re given the sense that you can’t compete with kids who are bigger, have more resources and have much more training.”
“When I first discovered there was a high school racing opportunity in seventh grade, it really changed my perspective. You can enjoy racing and skiing even if you’re not in that top 1%. There are kids who have just been weekend skiers their entire lives who go on to compete at sectionals and states — even win states or place highly at Easterns. There are also kids who have never skied before and just want to try something new. That opportunity wouldn’t exist without high school racing, and in that sense, it’s amazing.”
Do you have any favorite moments from this season?
“On a personal level, my favorite moment was hearing my name called to go to states. It’s always such a stressful day, and all your hard work pays off in that exact moment when you hear your name called for the all-section team.”
“I also really loved when all four White Plains racers completed a race on the same day — me, Olivia, Wyatt and Oliver. That was really cool to see.”
“And every single league race is just so much fun. They’re some of the best events. I wouldn’t say I had any bad moments this season — it was all highlights, and I think that’s the sign of a good season.”
“I think our program is headed in a great direction, and I’m really looking forward to next season — seeing who joins the team, who reaches out with interest and what we can accomplish together. If we can get to the section championship, we’ll see what we can do. I think the world is our oyster. As the ski team captain, I just want to grow the community and help people try something new.”
