$330,000 in Grants Awarded to 78 Athletes and Two Pro Cross-Country Teams for 2025/26 Season
The World Cup Dreams Foundation (WCDF), a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring financial barriers never limit athletic potential, is proud to announce its 2025/26 grant recipients. A total of $330,000 in funding will support 78 alpine and cross-country athletes and two professional XC teams, giving them the resources to pursue their World Cup dreams.
Through WCDF’s pipeline of support, athletes receive resources at every stage of their careers—beginning at U16 and continuing through the World Cup level. This year’s awards include:
- ARCO U16 Grant – 23 athletes, ages 14–15, beginning their competitive journeys.
- T2 On The Rise Grant – 32 athletes, ages 16–21, building toward the U.S. Ski Team and Division I programs.
- T2 World Cup Grant – 21 athletes on the U.S. Ski Team and independent World Cup circuit, supported until they achieve a top-30 world ranking.
- T2 Cross Country Team Grant – Two pro XC teams, SMS T2 Team and BSF Pro XC Team, providing elite-level training environments and community impact.
2025/26 Grant Recipients
ARCO U16 Grant
Owen Applequist, Kalea Patricia Barker, Nate Brown, Ike Brumder, Alexander Campian, Sydney Daly, Neena DeGennaro, James Drever, Isabelle Erickson, Max Guilbert, Levi Hart, Kira Hiebert, Ashlyn P. James, Fritz James Seger, Anya Pasqualina Leunig, Chloe Marti, Patrick Meirowitz, Taryn Moe, Cole Issac Peltz, Kristina Shamshuryn, Soren Shepherd, Sophia Wenberg, Aidan Wick, Calen Nash White
T2 On The Rise Grant
Abby Olson, Abraham Musty, Ava Anderson, Beatrice May, Beatrix Shackleton, Brody Mitchell, Caiyu DeMaggio, David Pichakron Lu, Drayson Lund, Dyllan Marie Guay, Harper Sargent, Henry Roberts, Jensen Ford, Julia Cunningham, Julian Arthur, Julian Saldana Ferrales, Katharina Cosby, Katherine Watts, Katie Rowekamp, Luca Peterson, Lucy Wirth, Mari Renick, Mattias West Wilson, Paige DeHart, Pernilla Borgia, Ruby Smith, Sam Waryas, Tasman Rearick, Tor Borgia, Trevor Palmquist, Troy Boissonneault
T2 World Cup Grant
Allison Mollin, Annika Hunt, Ava Sunshine Jemison, Bradshaw Underhill, Camden Palmquist, Carson Hume, Finnigan Donley, George Steffey, Haley Cutler, Jevin Palmquist, John Kerbaugh, Keely Cashman, Logan Grosdidier, Patrick Kenney, Storm Klomhaus, Tanner Perkins, Tricia Mangan, Viktoria Zaytseva, Wiley Maple, Cooper Puckett, Stanley Buzek, Jeremy Nolting, Hunter Salani
T2 Cross Country Pro Team Grant
- SMS T2 Team
- BSF Pro XC Team
Why This Matters
Ski racing is among the most expensive Olympic sports, with most competitions held in Europe. The costs of travel, coaching, equipment, and race entry fees can force athletes out of the sport long before they reach their peak.
WCDF exists to change that. At last season’s World Championships, 6 of the 10 women and 10 of the 12 men on Team USA had received WCDF support during their careers. The same will be true this winter at the 2026 Olympic Games in Italy, where WCDF-backed athletes will again represent the United States on the world stage.
By sustaining this model, WCDF is ensuring that America’s top talent stays in the sport and continues to develop into future champions.
“Our mission is simple: money should never stand in the way of talent and passion,” said Claire Biesemeyer, Executive Director of WCDF. “We are proud to support this inspiring group of athletes who exemplify potential, determination, and the drive to achieve their World Cup dreams.”
About World Cup Dreams Foundation
The mission of the World Cup Dreams Foundation is to support the nation’s top skiing talent by providing career-sustaining financial assistance and mentorship. From development to World Cup podiums, WCDF is committed to helping athletes rise. www.worldcupdreams.org.
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