Athletes’ Senior Speeches Deliver Collective Message of Gratitude, Pride, and Enduring Connection

Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation (SVSEF) Alpine athletes were recognized for excellence on and off the hill at the 2025–26 End-of-Season Alpine Banquet, celebrating standout performances, leadership, and growth across the FIS, U16, and U14 teams. Across all levels, athletes were honored not only for results, but for embodying the values of dedication, sportsmanship, and passion that define SVSEF’s programs. The event was held on Wednesday, April 29 at the Liberty Theater in Hailey.

Throughout the evening, those athletes graduating delivered their personal senior speeches, describing their time with SVSEF as transformative—shaping not only their athletic development but also their identities and values. A recurring theme is that the program is more than a team; it is a family. Athletes emphasized lifelong friendships, shared experiences, and a supportive environment created by coaches, teammates, and the broader community.

Seniors graduating in 2026 include: Alaska Sewell, Alyssa Huntsman, Amilia Selznick, Autumn Carpenter, Malaya Yarmark, Ruby Smith, Samantha Milne, Thomas Connell, and Ulrich Rossi. Alyssa Huntsman was recognized for her longevity with the team, having skied with SVSEF since she was a Devo athlete, a total of 12 years.

FIS Team Highlights

The program’s highest honor, the Peggy & Sigi Engl Award, was awarded to Tucker Reimund and Sammy Milne. The award recognizes excellence in skiing, sportsmanship, and academics.

Reimund was praised for his “consistent persistence in everything he puts his mind to,” along with his leadership and commitment both on the hill and in the classroom. Milne, described by coaches as “the embodiment of this award,” was recognized for her resilience through injury and her ability to elevate those around her.

The Leif Odmark Good Sportsmanship Award went to Henry Roberts and Elliot Leahy, honoring athletes who demonstrate a love of the sport and a commitment to team culture. Despite challenges, both athletes showed up daily with determination and positivity.

Additional FIS honors included:

• Most Improved: Elodie Olsen, who significantly advanced her world ranking and emerged as one of the top U18 athletes in the country.
• Passion Award: Ava Huey, recognized for her “unmatched focus and determination.”
• Mountain Kidd Award: Ruby Smith, celebrated for her deep love of the mountains and well-rounded approach to sport and life.

U16 Team Highlights

At the U16 level, athletes were recognized for development, resilience, and leadership.

Most Improved honors went to Cameron Beck and Sophie Kanowsky. Beck’s rapid technical growth—particularly in slalom—set him apart, while Kanowsky’s commitment to learning and willingness to step outside her comfort zone defined her season.

The Passion Award recognized Declan O’Toole and Colette “Coco” Duke. O’Toole’s comeback from knee surgery stood out as a defining story of the season.

“Declan’s love for skiing is unwavering, and his passion for the sport inspires everyone around him,” said Coach Gladys Weidt.

Duke, described as “the heart of the team,” was honored for her leadership, positivity, and ability to bring teammates together.

The U16 Engl Award recipients, Jake Schlatter and Neena DeGennaro, were recognized for excellence across athletics, academics, and character. Both athletes demonstrated leadership, discipline, and a commitment to personal growth.

Leif Odmark Good Sportsmanship awards went to Paxton Harris and Elle Deckard, each recognized for their dedication, resilience, and positive impact on team culture.

U16 Assistant Coach and Assistant Alpine Director Gladys Weidt was awarded the Life Coach Award in Honor of Ruben Macaya for her extraordinary dedication, caring, and hard work as a coach. The award also represents this coach’s ability to carry one of Macaya’s motto’s through in her coaching with SVSEF athletes, “You get the best effort from others not by lighting a fire beneath them but by building a fire within.

Jasmine Smiley was presented with the Ashley Snyder Briggs Scholarship Award for her passion, dedication, sportsmanship, teamwork and grit both on the hill and in the classroom. SVSEF Alumna Snyder Briggs grew up skiing and racing with the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation between 1974-1985, from her first turns on Baldy through high school. After graduating from Sun Valley Community School, she went on to ski race for Middlebury College’s Division 1 team. The Ashley Snyder Briggs Scholarship is awarded each year by a committee of SVSEF coaches and Snyder Briggs, and provides significant financial support towards tuition and expenses for one high-school-aged female alpine athlete each year.

U14 IMD Team Highlights

The U14 IMD team showcased strong development and enthusiasm, with multiple athletes recognized for growth and commitment.

The Coaches Award (Most Improved) went to Jack Lee Lanza and Bria Smiley.

“Jack Lee…always has a smile on his face…works hard and he made steady progress through the season,” said Coach Ben Roberts. Smiley capped her season with a podium performance and regional qualification after consistent effort throughout the year.

The Passion Award was presented to Brixen Ehleringer and Mia Huey, both recognized for taking ownership of their development and supporting teammates.

The Most Versatile Athlete Award honored Lillee Haynes and Alex Grant. Haynes was recognized for her resilience and determination, overcoming a visual impairment to ski with increasing confidence and aggression. Grant delivered consistent podium performances while pushing both himself and his teammates.

The Howard & Peggy Dean Scholarship Award, awarded to a first-year U14 athlete, went to Hope Finnegan Lloyd. This full-ride scholarship is awarded to a first year U14 for their second year season as a U14. Also a member of the SVSEF Cross Country team, Hope showed unbelievable commitment, love for the sport, and active communication in building her ski racing journey.

“Hope loves skiing and ski racing…she has grit, sticks with things and is awesome to have on the team,” said Roberts.

For more information about SVSEF perpetual awards, their history, and past recipients, please visit: https://svsef.org/awards/