New scholarship honors legendary coach while investing in the next generation of female alpine ski racers.
The Lindsey Vonn Foundation has announced Julia Cunningham as the inaugural recipient of the Erich Sailer Ski Scholarship, a new program designed to support young female alpine ski racers while honoring the legacy of one of the sport’s most respected coaches.
Launched in February 2026, the scholarship provides financial assistance to girls ages 8 through 18 across the United States who are pursuing alpine ski racing. Funding can be used to help cover coaching, training, race entry fees, equipment, camps, and other athlete development expenses.
More importantly, the scholarship was created to recognize the qualities that defined Coach Erich Sailer throughout his career. In addition to athletic potential, applicants are evaluated on their resilience, character, love for the sport, and commitment to pursuing their goals.
Continuing Lindsey Vonn’s Mission to Empower Girls
Founded by Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn, the Lindsey Vonn Foundation is dedicated to helping girls build confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and access to opportunities that allow them to pursue their passions.
Through initiatives including the #STRONGgirls leadership program, the Youth Ambassador Program, and the foundation’s social emotional learning curriculum, girls develop practical skills that strengthen confidence, healthy relationships, emotional resilience, and leadership through mentor led experiences.
The Erich Sailer Ski Scholarship extends that mission directly into alpine ski racing by supporting young athletes as they work toward their competitive goals while developing the mindset and character needed for long term success.
Unlike the foundation’s broader scholarship opportunities, the Erich Sailer Ski Scholarship was created specifically for alpine ski racers. The application process explores not only financial need and athletic aspirations but also how athletes approach challenges, setbacks, and personal growth within the sport.
A Strong Inaugural Class
The inaugural scholarship cycle attracted 33 applications from athletes representing clubs, academies, and race programs across the United States.
Following a collaborative review process with Martina Sailer, Julia Cunningham was selected as the first recipient of the scholarship.
A postgraduate athlete pursuing the World Cup and Olympic pathway, Cunningham stood out for her emotional maturity, competitive ambition, resilience, and thoughtful reflections on the mental side of ski racing. Her application also highlighted the commitment her family has made to supporting her athletic journey, reflecting the values Coach Sailer championed throughout his career.
The Lindsey Vonn Foundation plans to officially recognize Cunningham during its annual Gala on Aug. 21 at the Grand Hyatt Deer Valley. The foundation is currently coordinating with Cunningham and her family around her summer training schedule and looks forward to celebrating both her achievement and the launch of the scholarship.
Applications Now Open for the Next Scholarship Cycle
The foundation is also looking ahead to the future.
Applications for the second Erich Sailer Ski Scholarship cycle are now open through Aug. 31.
Girls ages 8 through 18 in the United States who are actively pursuing alpine ski racing are encouraged to apply. Scholarship funding can help offset the cost of coaching, training, race fees, camps, equipment, and other expenses associated with athlete development.
By investing in both athletic potential and personal character, the Lindsey Vonn Foundation hopes the scholarship will continue Coach Erich Sailer’s legacy of helping young athletes reach their full potential both on and off the snow.
As the first recipient of the Erich Sailer Ski Scholarship, Cunningham represents the beginning of what the foundation hopes will become a lasting investment in the future of women’s alpine ski racing.
Applications for the 2026 Erich Sailer Ski Scholarship are open through Aug. 31.
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