Michael LeBlanc named program director for MWVST

The Mount Washington Valley Ski Team (MWVST) has hired Mike LeBlanc as programd director for MWVST. The caliber of applicants for this position was a testament to the reputation of the program that was developed by Dave Gregory during his 30 years leading the program. It is also a testament to the club’s alumni, supporters and the reputation of ski racing passion within the valley as a whole and at the team’s areas, Attitash, Cranmore, and Wildcat.

LeBlanc has spent the last 12 years as the head coach for men’s and women’s varsity skiing at Brown University. LeBlanc’s track record at Brown University has consistently produced a team with one of the highest GPA’s in the athletic department, while also competing for a national championship on a yearly basis.

In addition to his coaching responsibilities, he also has been responsible for recruiting athletes, fundraising, and hosting FIS and USSA races. LeBlanc was also elected by his coaching peers to serve as chair of the MacConnell Division of USCSA college ski racing, which organizes and hosts the highly competitive division races at several ski areas.

Prior to Brown, he had coaching stints at UMass and the Diamond Peak Ski Education Foundation (DPSEF) in Nevada. As the assistant program director and alpine ski coach at the DPSEF, LeBlanc worked with the Junior I, II, and III programs, developing athletes from age 13-21. Before that, LeBlanc served as the men’s and women’s alpine ski coach at UMass from January of 2001 to May of 2003.

While at UMass, LeBlanc was instrumental in guiding the women’s team to an eastern championship and a national championship, a first for the school. In addition, he guided the men’s team to a second place finish at the eastern championship, and a seventh place finish in the national standings. Combined, LeBlanc coached 13 All-American selections at the 2003 USCSA National Championships.

LeBlanc is a 2000 graduate of Plymouth State University with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies – Outdoor Experiential Education/Health Education. LeBlanc also completed his M.ED. in Higher Education Administration at UMass.

As an athlete he competed on the Varsity Ski Team at the University of New Hampshire from 1997-1998 and on the Varsity Ski Team at Plymouth State from 1999-2000. He grew up in Plymouth, NH and raced as a junior at Waterville Valley.

LeBlanc will be relocating from Rhode Island to the Valley with his wife Luciana and his son Rafael, and is very much looking forward to returning to his home state and raising his family.

Release from Mount Washington Valley Ski Team