Smith to Take Over as Head Coach for New York Ski Education Foundation Cross Country Skiing Program

After six years as a member of the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation Cross Country coaching staff, Paul Smith is moving home to the east coast to lead the New York Ski Education Foundation’s Cross Country Skiing Program. Smith’s new role will leverage his years of coaching experience along with his drive and capacity to lead junior athletes to success at every level.

“My time at SVSEF has been tremendous for my own growth,” said Paul Smith, SVSEF Cross Country Post-Grad Head Coach and Comp Team Coach. “There is a structure in place that allows coaches here to work independently enough to learn to help athletes find success at the highest level. It goes without saying how beneficial it has been to work with such an experienced staff as well. My biggest learning lesson however will be how well SVSEF builds a community that is supportive of and enthusiastic about winter sports. The position at NYSEF is a great opportunity. I feel I have the skills and knowledge to help grow the sport in a region I am familiar with and I’m excited about this next chapter in my career.”

Originally from Barneveld, NY, Smith is a successful athlete and graduate of Burke Mountain Academy and the University of Vermont. His coaching career began after competing on the NCAA circuit and graduating from college. His first coaching position at Mansfield Nordic led to an assistant coach role at St. Michael’s College, and from there, Smith moved to the Jackson Hold Ski and Snowboard Club as the Nordic Comp team coach, and then to Sun Valley.

“Paul brings a very high level of commitment and enthusiasm to all aspects of his coaching with the SVSEF program,” said Rick Kapala, SVSEF Cross Country Program Director. “We will miss him for sure and are also excited for him and his stepping into the Head Coach role at Lake Placid. No doubt Placid is fortunate to have him lead their program and we wish Paul every success.”

In Smith’s role with NYSEF, he will manage the athletic preparation and competition plans for all ages while overseeing on-snow camps, strength and conditioning, and technical equipment support. Smith will begin working with the NYSEF this summer.

For more info, please visit nysef.org.