Junior High School (isn’t this pic amazing)

Pinedale Junior Nordic (PJN) was active from about 2010-2012 where my cousins, a few other kids in the community, and myself were the fastest little skiers out there (no I’m not biased.) My inspiration for skiing was my uncle and coach, Tony Chambers. He took me out skiing with my cousins, Elizabeth and Oliver, where he actually taught us technique, race tactics, proper recovery, and more as 11 year olds. The PJN team dissolved into the Jackson Hole Ski Club where I raced for them 2012-2014.

We were a part of the Intermountain Division, so we had the opportunity to meet other skiers and travel across the western United States. Growing up on a ski team and traveling to places like Solider Hollow, UT, Bozeman, MT, Sun Valley, ID and more drove my love for skiing and traveling in the winter. I love traveling in the winter specifically because the world is generally soundless. A three hour drive to West Yellowstone, MT while big flakes fall and everyone is silent enjoying the moment is a memory I love to hold onto.

Two links to the 2012 articles my Aunt Bonnie wrote highlighting PJNs success and some seriously great pictures of our awkward middle school phases can be found here and here.

I was never a naturally successful athlete, but I worked very hard to compete against the best 12 year olds in the west! I absolutely still have my medals from cracking that top three podium as a middle schooler to motivate me even today. I decided at this age that I wanted to take this sport seriously and devote the hours to train in order to make it to the elite level. Plus, I got these amazing photos out of it ;)

You can read about my next step in racing on the blog post, High School.