Kristofic leaves Canadian team to join US staff

PARK CITY, Utah — The U.S. Ski Team named former Alpine Canada Alpin Vice President of Sports Paul Kristofic to its staff as women’s head coach on Thursday. Kristofic brings extensive coaching experience to the U.S. Ski Team, and he will be overseeing the women’s World Cup and Europa Cup speed and technical teams.

After working with Alpine Canada for the last 21 years, Kristofic brings a wealth of diverse experience to the U.S. Ski Team.

“I’m looking forward to working with all the talented athletes, coaches and leadership at the U.S. Ski Team in my new role as alpine women’s head coach,” said Kristofic. “For me, the most interesting aspect of the job is working with my staff and empowering them to make good decisions and bring the best out of every racer that’s on the roster.”

Kristofic, who was born in Edmonton, Alberta and grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, most recently assumed the role of Vice President of Sports for Alpine Canada. He started with Alpine Canada as a student intern. From there, he became a Continental Cup coach with the men’s alpine team before transitioning to head coach of the women’s junior team. Kristofic then acted as coach with the Canadian men’s World Cup speed team from 2000 before taking over as head coach of the men’s program from 2006-2012.

When Kristofic acted as head coach of the Canadian men’s alpine team, his athletes produced multiple World Cup podiums and four world championship medalists, including back-to-back world downhill champions Erik Guay and John Kucera. During Kristofic’s tenure with Alpine Canada, Jan Hudec also ended a 20-year Olympic medal drought for the men’s alpine team, tying for the super G bronze with Bode Miller at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games.

The U.S. women’s head coach role was vacant for the 2015 season, after Alex Hoedlmoser moved over to head up the men’s speed team. The 2016 season will highlight new energy for the women’s coaching staff, having recently named Alberto Senigagliesi and Brandon Dyksterhouse as women’s alpine head speed and tech coaches, respectively.

Kristofic coached with U.S. Ski Team Alpine Director Patrick Riml for three years, who speaks highly of the new addition to the team. “We are lucky to have Paul, whom I’ve worked with in the past with Alpine Canada, to lead our women’s program,” said Riml. “I believe Paul — along with Brandon [Dyksterhouse] and Alberto [Senigagliesi] — will bring incredible value and strong leadership to oversee our women’s program and continue to build on the success we’ve seen in recent years. “

Kristofic will officially assume his new role with the U.S. Ski Team on June 1, 2015.

Release courtesy of USSA