Honoring a Legacy, Building the Future

As SVSEF prepares for the 2025-26 season, the organization is excited to announce a leadership transition in two of its foundational youth alpine programs: Baldy Devo and LASAR (Learn Alpine Skiing and Racing). After nearly a decade of dedicated leadership, Coach Brian Caulkins will step into a mentorship and support role, paving the way for new head coaches Sarah Schwing (née Mazzola) for Baldy Devo and Chuck Harris for LASAR.

“Generations of phenomenal children have been inspired and grown under Brian’s vigilant leadership and passion for the sport and the journey,” said SVSEF Executive Director Scott McGrew. “I am very excited about the future of these amazing programs and the incredible foundation and reputation that Brian has built. It feels so good to see these programs continue to grow and evolve as Brian steps into a mentorship role for the respective staffs. He has so much experience and knowledge—that will be a precious asset as we head into the next season.”

The Baldy Devo program is deeply embedded in the fabric of the Wood River Valley’s  wintersport community, serving as a bridge for hundreds of families integrating their children into both skiing and the broader culture of the valley. The roots of the program trace back decades, and it was Doran Key, one of the early architects of SVSEF’s youth skiing experience, who began coaching what was then known as the “Farm Team” in the late 1970s. Her exuberant care, indomitable spirit, and high standards helped shape the program that evolved into today’s Baldy Devo and LASAR teams.

For the past ten years, Coach Brian Caulkins has carried that legacy forward with tireless dedication, helping the programs grow in both size and depth. As he transitions into a mentorship role, SVSEF is thrilled to pass the torch to Sarah Schwing, a D-Team alumna herself, who brings not only decades of ski racing and coaching experience but also a fresh and deeply human approach to youth development.

“Baldy Devo is where it all began for me, and I’m honored to return in this leadership role,” said Schwing. “This program is about more than skiing—it’s about building strong, connected, and confident kids who carry these values for a lifetime.”

Sarah is a licensed occupational therapy assistant (COTA/L) with a degree in Anthropology, a Level 200 Alpine certified coach, and a passionate advocate for athlete-centered coaching. Her background with SVSEF includes coaching U16, Mini World Cup, and U10 Home teams, as well as teaching adult skiers through Sun Valley’s DIVAS and Masters Programs. Most recently, she worked in pediatric therapy, specializing in ADHD, autism, and trauma-informed care.

“Sarah’s leadership promises to build upon an already iconic program,” said McGrew. “She brings a relationship-based approach to emotional regulation, confidence-building, and connection that will enrich how we onboard our youngest, most impressionable athletes into the SVSEF family.”

As Caulkins also steps back from LASAR, Chuck Harris, SVSEF Alpine Junior Program Director, will step in as head coach for the 2025–26 season. LASAR, launched by Pat and Adele Savaria in 2003, has become a vital access point for first-time skiers. Hosted at Rotarun and supported by the Cooper-Taché First Tracks Endowment, the program offers high-quality, affordable experiences for more than 100 children each year.

“I am super excited to oversee the LASAR program at SVSEF,” said Harris. “Rotarun is a playground for skiers—and I love to play.”

With over 30 years of coaching experience at institutions such as Burke Mountain Academy, Vail, McCall, Jackson, and Sugar Bowl, Chuck brings a deep perspective and a passion for matching programming to community needs.

“Coaching at all those places has allowed me to see all kinds of things that work and don’t work,” Harris said. “I can’t wait to start putting the pieces of the puzzle together for what works best at Rotarun.

With Sarah Schwing and Chuck Harris stepping in, and Brian Caulkins continuing to support the transition, SVSEF is leaning into its legacy of stewardship while embracing what’s next. These programs are evolving with intention—blending the latest science on how kids learn and grow with the deep-rooted values of community, culture, and the mountains. It’s all part of SVSEF’s commitment to thoughtful growth and a frontier mindset that continues to shape what’s possible for our athletes and our organization.