Coaching, Staff, & Board

Executive Director

Scott McGrew

Alpine Program Director

Will Brandenburg

NICKNAME: Willy B, Wilbur

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Born in Walla Walla, Washington. Learned to ski at Ski Bluewood, moved to Spokane, Washington in 4th grade.

EDUCATION:

• Mead High School graduate

AWARDS / ACCOLADES:

• 2007 Ski Racing Junior of the Year Award

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF?
2015

WHY DO YOU COACH?

• To share my passion for the sport that has given me so much personal growth, with the next generation.

COACHING CERTIFICATIONS:

• PSIA Level 3 instructor
• Level 3 Chef of race
• Level 3 Chef of Course
• Level 3 Referee

SKIING BACKGROUND:

• U.S. Ski Team member from 2007-2015.
• Competed for Team USA in the 2010 Winter Olympics (finished 10^th in the Alpine Combined).
• Competed for the USA in the 2011 (Garmisch, Germany) 2013 (Schladming, Austria) and 2015 (Vail/Beaver Creek) Alpine World Championships.
• Top World Cup result: 6^th place in Slalom, Kranjska Gora, Slovenia.
• Made the National Team competing for Schweitzer Alpine Racing School.
• Learned to ski and race at Ski Bluewood outside of Dayton, Washington.

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I WAS PRETTY SURE I’D BE A PROFESSIONAL JET SKI DRIVER WHEN I GREW UP. Not a joke. I really thought that was my calling.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS, if you show effort or passion there is almost always someone who wants to help you.

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE chili-stuffed baked potatoes.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Reading
• Writing
• Boating
• Waterskiing
• Music- Red Dirt Country/Americana/Folk
• Playing Basketball, Volleyball and Curling
• Gonzaga Basketball
• Seahawks Football
• Mariners Baseball
• NBA Basketball
• Sharing or following all passions with my family

WHAT’S YOUR ARCHETYPE?

• 40% Caregiver
• 40% Visionary
• 20% Intellectual

Alpine Junior Program Director & Alpine Home Team Head Coach

Chuck Harris

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Sandy, Oregon

EDUCATION:

• B.S. History

AWARDS / ACCOLADES:

• Started the “Chuck Cup” at Burke Mountain Academy. It’s a 3-on-3 soccer tournament that has been around for more than 25 years.

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF?
2016-2020, back for more in 2022!

WHY DO YOU COACH?
I enjoy being outside and in the mountains, and I enjoy convincing kids they can do more than they think they can.

COACHING CERTIFICATIONS:

• USSS Level 400

SKIING BACKGROUND:

• Grew up skiing at Mt. Hood.
• Skied for EOU (USCSA)

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS to wake up early… they day is longer and you have more time to have more fun.

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE opening day of the NFL season.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Watching the Dallas Cowboys and the Oregon Ducks
• Playing golf
• Doing anything that my son has interest in
• Cruising around the backcountry in my RZR
• Hiking my dog for endless miles

WHAT’S YOUR ARCHETYPE?

• 42% Creative
• 33% Visionary
• 25% Rebel

Big Mountain Program Director

Banks Gilberti

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Hailey, Idaho

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF?
2019

WHY DO YOU COACH?
Keeps me young trying to keep up with our squad. Best job in the world.

COACHING CERTIFICATIONS:

• IFSA Coaching Gold Level 

SKIING BACKGROUND:

• Professional Skier for 15 years.

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I WAS PRETTY SURE I’D BE A PROFESSIONAL SKIER WHEN I GREW UP.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS how to talk myself out of trouble.

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE locals-only week on Baldy.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Motorbiking
• Snowboarding
• Skateboarding
• Surfing
• Soccer
• Hunting 

WHAT’S YOUR ARCHETYPE?

• Creative
• Rebel

Cross Country Program Director

Becky Flynn

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Auburn, Maine

EDUCATION:

• Bates College/BA/Psychology 
• Lasell University/MS (ongoing) / Athletic Administration 

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF?
2022

WHY DO YOU COACH?
I am passionate about helping people achieve their goals.    

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS to be kind.

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE my family and friends enjoying a great adventure.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Being outdoors doing just about anything. 

Cross Country Assistant Program Director & Prep Team Head Coach

Kelley Yeates

NICKNAME: Coach Awesome

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Ketchum, Idaho

EDUCATION:

• Wood River High School
• Bates College, Bachelor of Arts

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF?
2005

WHY DO YOU COACH?
Because I love the people that this program creates, and I have experienced in my own life what an amazing role the SVSEF can have on a young person’s life.

COACHING CERTIFICATIONS:

• XCC USSA L100

SKIING BACKGROUND:

• SVSEF XC team 1^st -12^th grade
• Bates College Ski Team 2001-2002
• SVSEF Alpine D team
• SVSEF Snowboard D team

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I WAS PRETTY SURE I’D BE A DOCTOR WHEN I GREW UP.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS how to knit in a ski van.

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE trolls—actually I already invented this it falls on the 1^st Wednesday of March and it is awesome.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Ice Hockey
• Sitting by alpine lakes
• Fantasy football

Freeski Program Director & Air Barn Manager

Tyler Conway

NICKNAME: T

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Johnsonburg, New York

EDUCATION:

• SUNY Morrisville (left to ski)

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF?
2016

WHY DO YOU COACH?
To keep the stoke alive.

COACHING CERTIFICATIONS:

• US Ski and Snowboard Freeski level 300
• USASA Freeski 100, 200
• First Aid + CPR

SKIING BACKGROUND:

• 2009-2016 Head coach and assistant program manager for Team Breckenridge Sports Club
• 2009-2016 Coach at Woodward at Copper
• 2008-2009 Head coach Tahoe Freeride
• 2005-2006 Coach as Terrain Park Specialist, Stratton, Vermont
• 2002-2005 Coach as Terrain Park Specialist, Mount Snow, Vermont
• 1998-2001 Freeski influencer

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I WAS PRETTY SURE I’D BE A FARMER WHEN I GREW UP.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS how to drive, milk cows, and make maple syrup.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Life

WHAT’S YOUR ARCHETYPE?

• Creative
• Visionary
• Rebel

Freestyle Program Director

John Grigsby

I hail from in Portland, Maine where I started my coaching career at the age of 17 for the Freestyle Development program at Gould Academy/Sunday River. During college, I continued coaching weekends at CVA/Sugarloaf, where I later coached full-time for Carabassett Valley Academy. For 6 years prior to joining SVSEF, I was the Director of Freestyle Development at Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, where I helped grow and develop one of the top freestyle programs in the country.

Hobbies/other interests: Fly fishing, bow hunting

Mini X Program Director

Ben Schumacher

NICKNAME: Shoo

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Chattaroy, Washington

EDUCATION:

• Seattle University, Bachelor’s in Chemistry

AWARDS / ACCOLADES:

• Certified Pedorthist

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF? 2014

WHY DO YOU COACH?
I coach because it’s the next step in my progression, by passing on the love for skiing and the mountains to stoked little humans.

COACHING CERTIFICATIONS:

• Alpine Level 1

SKIING BACKGROUND:

• Moved here in 2001 have had a season’s pass ever since 

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I WAS PRETTY SURE I’D BE AN ADULT WHEN I GREW UP.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS love.

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE live music.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Garden building
• Research
• Reading
• Family
• Home
• Bicycles
• Fishing
• Hunting

Snowboard Program Director

Andy Gilbert

NICKNAME: DEEZ!

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Born in Sun Valley, Idaho. Raised in Portland, Oregon. (North Portland to be specific)

EDUCATION:

• Jefferson High School Portland, Oregon
• Pacific Northwest College of Art (2 years)
• 30+ years screen printing experience

AWARDS / ACCOLADES:

• 4-time US Snowboarding Project Gold Coach
• 3-time FIS Snowboard Junior World US Coach
• U.S. Snowboard Team Rookie Halfpipe Team Head Coach 2017-18
• 2-time USSA Domestic Snowboard Coach of the year Nominee
• 2005? “You Make A Difference” Award as voted on by staff and students of Wood River High School

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF?
1993/94 season as a Devo coach

WHY DO YOU COACH?
To pass on my love snowboarding, the people, places and experiences that come with its unique and transformative culture!

COACHING CERTIFICATIONS:

• Level 300 USSA/USASA

SKIING/RIDING BACKGROUND:

• The Gilbert family has over 100 years of skiing/riding history. Great Grandfather was a Ski Jumper at Mt. Hood in the 1920’s.
• Competitive ski racer 1979-1984
• Began snowboarding in 1985
• Sponsored rider (Joyride/Allian Snowboards) 1990-1998
• Still ride as many days as I can when not coaching, it’s still the greatest thing ever!

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I WAS PRETTY SURE I’D BE A DINOSAUR (it seems to be happening) WHEN I GREW UP.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS friendships really matter.

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE having to walk in someone else’s shoes!

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Art, screen printing, collage making anything that is bold graphically.
• Golf, really the opposite of action sports, good for my focus and brain.
• Music, love learning about, collecting and sometimes pretending I can play a little.

Alpine U12 North Series Team Coach, Alpine Volunteer Coord, Alpine Program Asst

Adele Savaria

Ski background:
-1983-89 – US Ski Team
-1986 – Vail World Cup DH – 6th
-1987 – Crans Montana, Switzerland World Championship Team
-1988 – Aspen World Cup DH – 11th
-1989 – NorAm DH Overall Champion
-1990 – NCSA Slalom, GS and Overall National Champion for the College of Idaho
-2003 – Inducted into the College of Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame for Skiing and Tennis (went to NAIA Nationals for tennis 1991-1993)
-2003-2010 – Founded Rotarun LASAR program with Pat

I coach to connect with these kids in all aspects and I really enjoy seeing a kid smile when they finally understand what you are trying to teach them. In addition to skiing, I love tennis, hiking, hunting, golfing, mountain biking, gardening and baking

FIS Team Assistant Coach & Assistant Alpine Director

Charlotte Gourlay

NICKNAME: Char, Latte

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Ketchum, Idaho

EDUCATION:

• Whitman College ’08—B.A. Psychology
• Wood River High School ’04

AWARDS / ACCOLADES:

• 2022 Janss Pro-Am Classic Winner
• 2023 Intermountain Division Coach of the Year

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF?
2011

WHY DO YOU COACH?
To pass on my love of the sport and help support athletes in chasing the lifelong lessons alpine skiing has taught me.

COACHING CERTIFICATIONS:

• USSS Level 300
• OEC Technician—National Ski Patrol
• AAIRE Level 2

SKIING BACKGROUND:

• SVSEF from Devo through FIS
• Whitman College NCAA Division I Ski Team
• Sun Valley Town Series

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I WAS PRETTY SURE I’D BE A THE KETCHUM COWGIRL WHEN I GREW UP.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS commitment.

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE game shows.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Hiking
• Gardening
• Yoga
• Tennis
• Paddle Boarding
• Cooking
• Traveling

WHAT’S YOUR ARCHETYPE?

• 47% Intellectual
• 37% Athlete
• 16% Visionary

Cross Country Comp Team Head Coach

Chris Mallory

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Colchester, Vermont

EDUCATION:

• University of New Hampshire—B.A. Recreation Management and Policy

AWARDS / ACCOLADES:

• Coach and Service Tech for four World Junior/U23 World Championships and 2022 Beijing Paralympic Games

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF?
2006

WHY DO YOU COACH?
I coach for the lasting relationships you have with kids coming through the program, and to foster a love for the sport of cross-country skiing.

COACHING CERTIFICATIONS:

• USSS Level 2 Certification

SKIING BACKGROUND:

• Grew up skiing and racing in Vermont
• Spent a PG year in Mora, Sweden
• Competed at the University of New Hampshire
• Coached 3 seasons at University of Vermont

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS how to play outdoors.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Riding bikes
• Ski touring
• Camping with the family

Alpine U12 North Series Head Coach

Claudia Stern

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: I grew up between New York (city) and France

EDUCATION:

• High School: Lycee Francais de NY / Stratton Mtn School
• College: Middlebury College / Computer Science

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF?
Fall of 2015

WHY DO YOU COACH?
Coaching is the logical outcome for having been involved in so many aspects of the ski industry. You take for so many years, then you give back. I get so much pleasure out of helping someone (in this case our U12s) accomplish what they are trying to do on their skis.

The more I coach, the more I learn, the more I can help.

COACHING CERTIFICATIONS:

• USSS Level 100
• USSS Level 200

SKIING/RIDING BACKGROUND:

• I grew up racing on the east coast—first New York state, then Stratton Mountain School
• Raced for Middlebury college, All-American, podium NCAA champs (didn’t win…)
• Competed in the World University Games
• Raced on the U.S. Pro Ski Tour
• 6 years in R&D (product development) and 4 years in Marketing (mostly developing women’s programs) for Rossignol at their headquarters in France

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I lived in the moment!

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS I loved skiing more than anything else.

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE eating!

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• My happy place is anything involving wind sport: Windsurfing , Kitesurfing, Wing Foiling
• Cooking and eating

Alpine U10 Mini World Cup Head Coach

Daniela Anguita

NICKNAME: Dani

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: La Parva, Chile

EDUCATION:

• MEd Bilingual Education — Boise State University
• BS Geological Science — University of Utah

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF?
2021

WHY DO YOU COACH? Because it’s fun! And to share my knowledge and experience with younger generations and pass on the love of the sport of skiing.

COACHING CERTIFICATIONS:

• Coaching Level 100

SKIING BACKGROUND:

• 8 years on the Chilean National Team
• Competed in the 2006 Torino Olympics
• Raced for the University of Alaska Anchorage
• Competed on the Freeskiing World Tour
• Alta-Snowbird Big Mountain Coach 2008-2012

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I WAS PRETTY SURE I’D BE AN ADULT (still working on it) WHEN I GREW UP. 

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS, the feeling of freedom when skiing.

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE geology and the environment.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Making jewelry and art
• Learning new things
• Running and hiking
• Yoga, mindfulness, and meditation

WHAT’S YOUR ARCHETYPE?

• 40% Caregiver
• 30% Intellectual
• 30% Creative

Snowboard Futures Team Head Coach

Edward Sawicz

Alpine U16 Assistant Coach & Assistant Alpine Director

Gladys Weidt

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Duluth, Minnesota

EDUCATION:

• Duluth East High School
• University of New Mexico, B.S. Kinesiology, Exercise Science

AWARDS / ACCOLADES:

• UNM NCAA Champion
• UNM All-Academic Team
• UNM All-American Team
• MN State High School Alpine Champion

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF?
2020

WHY DO YOU COACH?

• I love skiing, and coaching helps me stay connected to the sport along with surrounding myself with others who share my passion.
• I think it is an honor to be a part of an athlete’s journey and help provide a positive experience in developing their capacity to think outside of the box and discover new experiences that give them the opportunity to achieve their full potential and use skiing as a holistic means of individual development.

COACHING CERTIFICATIONS:

• Alpine Coach Level 300

SKIING BACKGROUND:

• Team Duluth (until middle school)
• Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (high school + PG year)
• University of New Mexico Ski Team

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I WAS PRETTY SURE I’D BE A SHERPA WHEN I GREW UP.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS work smarter, not harder.

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE multiple days.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Tennis
• The ocean
• NHL Playoffs
• A great bagel
• I would like to be an expert fly fisherman and bow hunter

Director of Strategic Communications & Development

Heather Foster

NICKNAME: H, Double H, H2 (my maiden name is Hill)

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Denver, Colorado

EDUCATION:

• University of Colorado, Boulder—B.S. Journalism and Mass Communication: Advertising and Psychology

AWARDS / ACCOLADES:

• Idaho Business Review Women of the Year (2014, 2018)
• Women’s & Children’s Alliance TWIN Recipient (Tribute to Women in Industry) (2015)
• Leadership Boise (2017-2019)

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START WORKING AT SVSEF?
2021

WHAT INSPIRES YOU MOST ABOUT WORKING WITH SVSEF?
While I never ski raced as a kid, I loved spending time around the races and this led to my first internship at Vail where I had the opportunity to work on the World Cup and other championship events. I moved to Boise, Idaho in 2008 to help lead the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games, and ultimately found my way to the Wood River Valley when I met my husband. Jesse and I were married at the base of Rotarun in December 2019, and I am honored to work with one of the most treasured non-profits in the valley. I love bringing my passion for storytelling to the organization and the community, and being part of a team driven by working hard, playing hard, and doing good for others.

BEFORE I CAME TO SVSEF, I worked at Sun Valley Community School in Development for two years. Prior to that I was the Communications Officer for the J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Family Foundation and the Executive Director of St. Luke’s FitOne in Boise. I’ve enjoyed just about every minute of my 30-ish years working with with start-ups, Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, and world-class sporting events across the realms of advertising, communications, public relations, sports marketing, strategic partnerships, and large-scale sports event production.

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I WAS PRETTY SURE I’D BE SHAMU’S TRAINER AT SEA WORLD WHEN I GREW UP.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS to be respectful and always leave things better than you found them.

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE riding epic gravel roads and enjoying farm-to-table food with good friends along the way.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Cycling of the gravel and road varieties
• Skiing (alpine and backcountry)—new to Masters Alpine racing
• Cooking and baking
• Photography
• Writing
• Seeking out the best local coffee shops when traveling or on road trips

WHAT’S YOUR ARCHETYPE?

• 46% Athlete
• 45% Creative
• 9% Visionary

Snowboard Devo Head Coach

JaNessa Gilbert

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Born in Seattle. Raised in Ketchum. Idaho.

EDUCATION:

• Wood River High School Graduate
• University of Oregon 1991-1993

AWARDS / ACCOLADES:

• 3-time Baldy Banked Slalom Winner
• Won the Kinder Cup!

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF?
2010

WHY DO YOU COACH?
I want to give back my love of Bald Mountain, the sport, and lifestyle, I got to grow up with and it keeps me young!  For the kid jokes!

COACHING CERTIFICATIONS:

• Level 100 USSA/USASA

SKIING/RIDING BACKGROUND:

• SVSEF Alum 1983-1989
• Ski Raced for 6 years
• Snowboarding for 30 years

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I WAS PRETTY SURE I’D BE A BALLERINA WHEN I GREW UP.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS to be the first person to say hi!

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE dressing up in a costume.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Gardening
• Hiking with my dogs
• Painting
• Dinner with friends and family
• Hawaii
• Design

Cross Country Devo South Head Coach

Lexie Praggastis

NICKNAME: We don’t know each other well enough yet…

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Sun Valley, Idaho

EDUCATION:

• Colby College, BA in Biochemistry
• University of Maryland, Masters in Chemistry and Life Sciences
• Pinchot University, Masters of Business Administration

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF?
On and off since 2011

WHY DO YOU COACH?
For the money and the glory.

SKIING BACKGROUND:

• SVSEF XC Team: (a small hiatus to play middle school basketball where we once scored 4 points in an entire game 🙂
• Colby College Ski Team

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I WAS PRETTY SURE I HAD NO IDEA WHAT I WOULD DO WHEN I GREW UP (still don’t).

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS how to cook and bake.

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE amazing food and a sleepover.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Mountain Biking
• Playing Soccer with my kids
• Drawing and Watercolor
• Baking
• Spreadsheets
• Gardening

Business Manager & Client Relations

Madeline Uhrig

NICKNAME: Maddy

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Born and raised in Hailey, Idaho (5th generation)

EDUCATION:

• University of Idaho – B.S. in Sociology with a Criminology Emphasis & Minor in Psycholog

AWARDS / ACCOLADES:

• #1 Benchwarmer (and proud of it!)
• “Most Coachable” two-time Award winner
• Multiple Participation Awards – too many to count

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START WORKING AT SVSEF?
2023

WHAT INSPIRES YOU MOST ABOUT WORKING WITH SVSEF?
Working with/for an amazing organization and group of individuals, whose sole purpose is to see these athletes succeed. Whether it’s helping them grow into strong, respectable adults, or guiding them to achieve their athletic dreams.  It’s not all about winning, it’s about bettering yourself on and off the mountain.

BEFORE I CAME TO SVSEF, I worked as the Accounts Receivable Specialist at DECKED LLC

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I WAS PRETTY SURE I’D BE FAMOUS WHEN I GREW UP. (I still have time 😉)

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS ALWAYS say please and thank you – manners matter!

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE…Espresso martinis and True Crime.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Anything involving family & friends.
• I can’t carry a tune, but I love to try.
• I LIKE camping but LOVE glamping.
• Sunny days – especially on the lake.
• Traveling – taking in the views and experiencing different cultures.

WHAT’S YOUR ARCHETYPE?

• 30% Hard worker – Personally and professionally.
• 30% Kindhearted – I don’t see the point in being mean.
• 30% Sarcasm – It just happens naturally.
• 10% Caffeine – A daily necessity.

Cross Country Devo North Head Coach

Martha Pendl

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Ketchum, Idaho

EDUCATION:

• Middlebury College / College of Idaho

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF?
2018

WHY DO YOU COACH?
It’s just pure JOY!

SKIING BACKGROUND:

• SVSEF
• Middlebury College
• The College of Idaho

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I WAS PRETTY SURE I’D BE PRESIDENT WHEN I GREW UP.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS how to bake pastries.

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE apple strudel, bonfires, and dancing.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• All things outside!

Freestyle (Moguls) 3-Day Progression Head Coach

Matthew McGraw

NICKNAME: Quickdraw

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Wood River Valley

EDUCATION:

• Pitzer College ’19-B.A. Economics & Political Studies
• Wood River High School ’15

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF?
2021

WHY DO YOU COACH? I coach because I want to help create a passion for the sport in the next generation. Coaching athletes through milestone achievements is among the most rewarding work I have done.

SKIING BACKGROUND:

• SVSEF Athlete
• Sun Valley Town Series

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I WAS PRETTY SURE I’D BE A ARCHITECT WHEN I GREW UP. 

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS, you don’t know until you go.

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE wildlife and nature.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Dirt bike trail riding
• Travel
• Cooking/Grilling
• Hiking
• Live Music

XC Post Grad Head Coach

Max Polito

Director of Finance & Admin

Mimi Crocker

NICKNAME: MC Rocker

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Greenwich, Connecticut

EDUCATION:

• University of Washington, BA Sociology & Business
• Boise State University

AWARDS / ACCOLADES:

• Way too many to list, seriously. 🙂

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START WORKING AT SVSEF?
2013

WHAT INSPIRES YOU MOST ABOUT WORKING WITH SVSEF?
The impact that SVSEF programs have on the kids in our community. This is a great place to work, and I am fortunate to be part of such an amazing group of visionaries and coaches. Winning is cool, but it’s the subtle, yet life changing, impact that we have on our youth that gets me fired up.

BEFORE I CAME TO SVSEF, I spent 25 years working in the music industry and as Director of Sales for Disc Makers, Inc.

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I WAS PRETTY SURE I’D BE AN OLYMPIC EQUESTRIAN JUMPER OR A VETERINARIAN WHEN I GREW UP.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS the magic of music.

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE…Flag Day is my favorite holiday; I don’t need any more.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Riding and training horses, teaching kids about horses, and being with horses.
• Playing guitar, live music, and being in a recording studio.
• Skiing, Moto riding, sailing, gardening, and adventures of all kinds.

WHAT’S YOUR ARCHETYPE?

• 40% Rebel – Comfortable bucking the system.
• 33% Caregiver – Sincere and compassionate, finds reward in helping others.
• 27% Spiritual – Seeks a deeper meaning and has a strong sense of moral obligation.

Alpine U16 Team Head Coach

Nate Schwing

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: East Aurora, New York

EDUCATION:

• Lees-McRae Collage—Bachelor Degree in International Studies

AWARDS / ACCOLADES:

• 2017 Intermountain Coach of the Year

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF?
2007

WHY DO YOU COACH?
I coach ski racing because I have always had a passion for ski racing, and I enjoy passing the knowledge and experiences gained along to the next generation of skiers. It is a rewarding experience being a part of these athletes lives and witnessing them mature both physically and mentally through the avenue of ski racing.

COACHING CERTIFICATIONS:

• USSS Level 300
• First Aid

SKIING BACKGROUND:

• Grew up ski racing through high school at Kissing Bridge in western New York.
• Skied USCSA and played Division 2 soccer in college at Lees-McRae College in North Carolina.
• Moved to Park City post college where I trained with the Park City Masters and Park City Ski Team competing in the Western FIS circuit, NorAm circuit, and competed at 3 U.S. Nationals.
• Moved to Sun Valley for the 2005-06 ski season where I spent two years coaching for the Hailey Ski Team.
• I was hired to be the SVSEF Head FIS Coach for the 2007-08 season and I have been coaching at SVSEF ever since!

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I WAS PRETTY SURE I’D BE A RUNNING BACK FOR THE BUFFALO BILLS WHEN I GREW UP.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS how to rollerblade.

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE something that replaces Columbus Day.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Golfing
• Mountain Biking
• Camping
• The Buffalo Bills

Cross Country Gold Team, Post-Grad Team, and Summer Training Group Coach

Peter Holmes

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Tahoe City, California

EDUCATION:

• University of New Hampshire, B.S. Sport Studies

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF?
2021

COACHING CERTIFICATIONS:

• USSS Cross Country Level 100

SKIING BACKGROUND:

• University of New Hampshire Ski Team 2014-2018
• SVSEF XC Gold Team 2018-2022

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I WAS PRETTY SURE I’D BE A CONSTRUCTION WORKER WHEN I GREW UP.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS that life is not fair.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Mountain biking
• Sunset walks on the beach

SVSEF Director of Sport Development

Rick Kapala

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Sterling Heights, MI

EDUCATION:

• Michigan Technological University, B.S. in Biology

AWARDS / ACCOLADES:

• 3-time USSA Cross Country Coach of the Year
• USSA Al Merrill Award
• USSA Russel Wilder Award

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START WORKING AT SVSEF?
1987

WHY DO YOU COACH?
I really like blending the craft of coaching with the science of human performance and feeling like every day we can help a kid grow.  When I was a kid, I had a coach who made me feel welcome and an important part of the team regardless of my ability and that informs how I coach.

COACHING CERTIFICATIONS:

• USSS Level 300 Cross Country Coach

SKIING / RIDING BACKGROUND

• Michigan Technological University NCAA Varsity Ski Team

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I had no idea what I was thinking… but at 12 I was pretty locked in on being a mountain man.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS believe in myself.

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE fly-fishing.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Fly-fishing
• Wandering around off trail in the mountains

WHAT’S YOUR ARCHETYPE?

• 39% Creative
• 33% Intellectual
• 28% Visionary

Alpine Baldy Devo Head Coach

Sarah Schwing

NICKNAME: Sarah Bear; Sar Bear

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Ketchum, Idaho

EDUCATION:

• Wood River High School Graduate – Class of 2000
• University of Nevada-Reno; BA Anthropology, Minor Spanish
• St. Catherine University; Associates Degree in Applied Science – Occupational Therapy Assistant

AWARDS / ACCOLADES:

• IMD Champion – 1995
• Monroe Cup Overall Winner (with Carl Rixon!) – 1998

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF?
Started in the winter of 2006 – 2016 with the U16s, transitioned to Mini World Cup for 2016 – 2017 season, took a break to raise some kiddos, and then started back up last season with U10 Home Team.

WHY DO YOU COACH?
I’m passionate about helping kids learn and grow through the lessons that ski racing and the mountains teach — not just in sport, but in life.

COACHING CERTIFICATIONS:

• USSS Level 200
• CPR + BLS Certified

SKIING BACKGROUND:

• SVSEF from Devo to FIS & NorAm Level
• FIS Master’s Chilean Cup
• Sun Valley Town Series

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I WAS PRETTY SURE I’D BE A BALLERINA WHEN I GREW UP. (If only I had grown up in the 70’s, ski ballet would have been my thing!)

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS to write a thank you note.

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE nature.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Hiking
• Gardening
• Nerding out on all things neuroscience
• Pickleball
• Lake or river time

Alpine X Head Coach

Steve Thompson

NICKNAME: Angry

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Escondido, CA / Snoqualmie, WA

EDUCATION:

• Mount Si High School

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF?
2019

WHY DO YOU COACH?

• Share the love

COACHING CERTIFICATIONS:

• IFSA Level 1
• Freestyle Level 1
• USSA Ski Cross Sub Committee

SKIING BACKGROUND:

• Freestyle
• Big Mountain
• Ski Cross

WHEN I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, I WAS PRETTY SURE I’D BE A ASTRONAUT WHEN I GREW UP. 

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING I LEARNED BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL WAS, not to make my mother mad.

IF I COULD INVENT A HOLIDAY, IT WOULD DEFINITELY INVOLVE dogs.

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Rock Climbing
• Fly Fishing

Alpine FIS Head Coach

Will Courtney

HOMETOWN / WHERE I GREW UP: Hartland, Vermont

EDUCATION:

• Gould Academy
• University of Vermont

WHAT YEAR DID YOU START COACHING AT SVSEF?
2022

WHY DO YOU COACH?
I enjoy developing relationships with athletes and helping guide them to grow as individuals and athletes.

COACHING CERTIFICATIONS:

• Level 200 USSA

HOBBIES AND OTHER INTERESTS THAT FUEL MY SOUL:

• Mountain Biking
• Fly Fishing
• Golfing