VIDEO: 2015 US Ski Team Rookie Camp

New athletes named to the 2015-16 U.S. Ski Team, U.S. Freeskiing, and U.S. Snowboarding squads spent last week in Park City at the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association’s (USSA) Center of Excellence for the annual Rookie Camp.

Rookie Camp began in 2007 as a means of educating new national team athletes about the opportunities they have through the USSA as well as their responsibilities as role models and representatives of the team. This year’s group of 35 athletes participated in classroom sessions focusing on topics such as fundraising and career education, tackled the ropes course at the National Ability Center, and completed an avalanche awareness session.

“All of these athletes have worked extremely hard to earn their spot on our national teams,” said USSA’s Executive Vice President, Athletics Luke Bodensteiner. “The USSA’s programs, including athletic benefits and education opportunities, are especially helpful for the rookie team members as they begin to work towards new athletic achievements.”

Another highlight of this year’s rookie camp was the Military Mentorship Program (MMP). Sponsored by PenFed, the MMP brings veterans, active-duty service members and elite athletes together to create meaningful experiences, build relationships and share their personal stories of teamwork, perseverance and reaching the limits of their potential. Major Jesse Stewart, a U.S. Army Wounded Warrior, conducted a session with this year’s rookies along with former athlete and Army veteran Rob Powers.

“The Military Mentorship Program is one of the most meaningful sessions at Rookie Camp,” said Bodensteiner. “Both elite athletes and military members are representatives of the USA abroad and, through this program, they’re able to learn and grow together.”

Ranging in age from 14 to 34-years-old, this year’s rookies have already racked up an impressive roster of results, including six Junior Worlds medals, one World Championship medal and a U.S. national title. They will spend the next three years competing and training with their sights set on the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea.

“These athletes are some of the best in America, and they all have the opportunity to be best in the world,” said Bodensteiner. “Their dedication and enthusiasm points to a very bright future for our teams.”

SkiRacing.com had the opportunity to catch up with some of the alpine rookies during their time at the introductory camp.