Stratton Mountain School Appoints New Youth Program Director with Over 18 Years of Leadership and Coaching Experience
Press release provided by Stratton Mountain School
Stratton Mountain, Vermont – May 9, 2024 – Stratton Mountain School (SMS) proudly announces the appointment of Sydney Koop (Mikkelson) as its new Junior Program Director, effective July 1st. With a distinguished career spanning over 18 years, Sydney brings a wealth of leadership, coaching, and marketing expertise to this newly created position. Sydney will coach with the SMS U12 and U14 alpine groups as well as spearheading the collaborative programming between SMS and the Stratton Winter Sports Club (SWSC).
Sydney has dedicated her career to fostering a love for skiing and developing athletes of all levels. She has a proven track record of success as a seasoned program director and marketing leader. Sydney founded and built the successful ski racing club, Mad Alpine, in Madison Wisconsin which was established in 2014. Mad Alpine grew to more than 150 skiers and developed some of the top talent in the region. Sydney moved to New Hampshire with her husband Dave Koop and their two children three years ago. She has worked at the Killington Ski Club with the U10 group the past three seasons, and in addition, last year she joined her alma mater, SMS, as a development camp coach. Last season Sydney also commenced working as a liaison between SMS and the Stratton Winter Sports Club (SWSC), and she helped create a new cooperative training program between SMS and SWSC.
Koop commented, “Since 2014, I have been deeply committed to building programs that not only focus on skill development but also instill a lifelong love for the sport. My passion for skiing and the opportunity to cultivate that passion in athletes for generations to come fuels my soul. Skiing isn’t just a sport; it’s a lifestyle, and I am thrilled to bring this ethos to the youth programs at Stratton Mountain School and the Stratton Winter Sports Club.”
Sydney graduated from Stratton Mountain School and then went on to the University of New Hampshire, in Durham, NH where she honed her leadership and athletic skills and graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration and Marketing. During her time at UNH, she was a proud member of the NCAA Division I Alpine Ski Team, where she was a three-year captain, a four-time NCAA Championship qualifier, and a two-time All-American.
“We are delighted to welcome Sydney to the SMS family,” remarked Mike Morin, Director of Sport at Stratton Mountain School. “With her wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to athlete development, we are confident that she will lead our youth programs to new heights of success.”
With the addition of Sydney Koop, Stratton Mountain School continues its commitment to providing a world-class experience for young athletes, nurturing their talents, and empowering them to achieve their full potential both on and off the slopes.
For more information about the youth athletic programs at Stratton Mountain School, please visit www.gosms.org
About Stratton Mountain School
Stratton Mountain School (SMS) is a college preparatory school located in Stratton Mountain, Vermont. With a focus on both academics and athletics, SMS provides a unique educational experience for student-athletes who are passionate about pursuing their dreams both on and off the slopes.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Michael Morin
Director of Winter Sports
About the Author: Press Release
