TA Foundation Announces 2026/27 SYNC Athlete Fund Recipients

The TA Foundation, a private operating foundation dedicated to advancing ski racing, is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026/27 SYNC Athlete Fund, in partnership with SYNC Performance, a Vail-based maker of ski racing gear and apparel.

Since its establishment in 2019, the SYNC Athlete Fund, administered by the TA Foundation, has worked to remove financial barriers for aspiring ski racers. The foundation’s mission is to support the next generation of the sport through education and training.

In its eighth year, the TA Foundation is awarding $75,000 in grants to deserving senior and U16–U21 athletes. Grants help cover training, equipment, travel and competition costs. An independent committee selected this year’s recipients based on financial need, application quality, competitive results and letters of recommendation.

Congratulations to these hardworking athletes!

Senior Athletes

Julian Arthur (2005) — Colorado
Sarah Bennett (2001) — Quebec
Dominick DeGuardia (2005) — New York
Stefanie Fleckenstein (1997) — British Columbia
Alex Huber (2005) — Vermont
Carson Hume (2005) — Colorado
Mia Hunt (2003) — Vermont
Rhett Lindsey (2005) — California
Dominic Shackleton (2004) — Vermont
Amelia Smart (1998) — British Columbia
Eleri Smart (2001) — British Columbia
Sophia Tozzi (2003) — Wyoming
Bradshaw Underhill (2000) — New Hampshire

U16–U21 Athletes

Western USA: 17
Eastern/Midwestern USA: 8
International: 5

The TA Foundation’s SYNC Athlete Fund exists to remove financial barriers for ski racing athletes. Grants are provided for ski racing expenses, and all grant decisions are made independently by the TA Foundation.

About the TA Foundation

The TA Foundation is a private operating foundation dedicated to advancing ski racing through direct charitable programs, including athlete training and education grants. The foundation operates in compliance with IRS regulations.

About the SYNC Athlete Fund

Established in 2019 by the TA Foundation, the SYNC Athlete Fund provides grants to individual athletes based on financial need, competitive results and alignment with the foundation’s mission. SYNC Performance contributes non-financially, such as by promoting the program, and receives no compensation or benefits from the foundation.