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Mentorship has played a significant role in my journey, shaping my career and how I connect with the community. From my early days at Bristol Mountain in New York to my work at Utah Olympic Park, mentoring young athletes has been about much more than teaching techniques—fostering a love for the sport and helping them realize their potential.
Sowing the Seeds: My Roots at Bristol Mountain
Bristol Mountain is where it all began for me. I first learned to ski there at age three and later joined my first freestyle team alongside my brother, Jon. We were part of a small group coached by Johnny Kroetz, who believed in us from the start. Out of that group, four of us went on to the Olympics, putting Bristol Mountain on the map in a way we never imagined.
As my career progressed, it became essential for me to give back to this community. The freestyle team has grown from just a few athletes to over 100, thanks to new training facilities funded by community-related efforts. Recently, I had the joy of taking part in Project Gold Freestyle Aerial Camp, hosted at the Greater Rochester Amateur Athletic Federation (GRAAF) Water Ramp freestyle jumping facility. There, I mentored around 100 kids, aged 10-16, including Gavin, a 13-year-old who landed his first double backflip—the same move I perfected at his age! Seeing him succeed reminded me of how mentorship can bring things full circle.
This experience at Bristol mirrors the impact ResultsCX has made through its long-term partnership with the Makabata Foundation in the Philippines, showing their commitment to empowering the next generation of children through education and community support.
From Local Slopes to National Stages: Expanding My Impact
While my heart is at Bristol Mountain, my community involvement efforts have taken me across the country. From California to New York, I’ve had the privilege of coaching hopeful athletes at various stages of their sport. My approach to mentorship is rooted in the lessons I’ve learned from my coaches—adaptability and support are key. Whether I’m working with beginners or advanced athletes, I focus on helping them make steady, incremental improvements.
This philosophy aligns with the work ResultsCX does with the Caritas International Foundation in Bulgaria, such as the “With Full Backpacks” campaign, where they tailor their support to meet the unique needs of each community they serve. They’re not just meeting immediate needs; they’re helping set kids on a path to long-term success, much like I strive to do with the athletes I mentor.
Beyond Medals: The True Measure of Mentorship
For me, the true success of mentorship isn’t measured by the number of medals won but by the passion I help ignite in young athletes. If I can help one of them see their potential—whether it’s making the U.S. team or simply becoming the best version of themselves—then I’ve done my job. It’s about raising their expectations of what they can achieve, and not limiting themselves.
Passing the Torch: My Vision for Giving Back
Looking ahead, I’m committed to continuing my mentorship journey, whether it’s on the slopes or in the community. I want to be both a hands-on mentor and a broader role model, showing young athletes that with dedication and support, they can achieve anything. Even as I transition out of my competitive career, I’m focused on staying engaged in the community and making a difference.
ResultsCX shares this commitment to making a lasting, positive impact. Whether through ongoing partnerships or new initiatives, they’re always looking for ways to give back and help others succeed.
The Ripple Effect of Mentorship
Mentorship is about more than just passing on skills—it’s about building a community, fostering growth, and making a difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s at Bristol Mountain or through the community work done by ResultsCX, the power of mentorship is undeniable. Together, we’re helping to shape the future, one young athlete, one child, one community at a time.
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