"Sixtine Piccard- DPST Sixtine stepped in and took on a huge role at her club, she filled the role of athletics and facilitated hill space and race events while her Athletic director was out due to injury. She brings a level of professionalism, and encouragement to the u14 athletes and division. She is incredible to work with with and provides support to the whole far west division"
"Alex Colby Mammoth mountain Alex has been a dedicated part of this division for many years as an athlete and now as a coach. Alex has elevated his own club and the u14 teams athletic foundation. He works so well with others and is supportive to our entire division of athletes. Alex is deserving of this recognition as he continues to be dedicated to Mammoth and the FW Thanks Alex for all your commitment to kids"
Lindsay Barksdale - with years of dedication, Lindsay has led the MMSST U10 crew to new heights. Her athletes are not just great skiers (Mammoth took the 2026 Rasmussen Team Cup and had both top skiers throughout the season) but also great teammates and humans. Her athletes were cheering for racers from other teams at the start, and after their last race run at Champs, the Mammoth girls cheered for all racers finishing after them and created a tunnel just outside of the finish corral for racers to ski through. Lindsay has created a team culture at the youngest level that centers on kindness, sportsmanship, and passion for ski racing, and her athletes will go far with those values.
Lindsay Dowd- Her athletes results are great in the U 14 age class, AND she works regionally and for the division for athlete progress and engagement. She works tirelessly to ensure the U14 and U16 age class coaches and athletes are getting what they need to be successful.
"Tim Kawcak - NSST Tim is a U12 coach at Northstar . He has been coaching as long as can remember . Not sure if he has his 200 or 300 level, but it doesn’t really matter , because to me he is at level 500. I work with him on and off. Tim’s involvement in coaching and his enthusiasm is just out of this world. He is so positive with everybody and mainly with our 12 athletes, he’s the most knowledgeable coach we have , with an extraordinary eye for all those so needed details. He can spot anything in the technique. The one thing , which once they work on , it really helps them to improve by a lot . He studies their ski style , studies their ski line and if he ever misses to see one, he looks at the ski tracks on the course and he knows exactly which line is a new addition there and he can talk to the athlete about it . He always has a great feedback to share . He has the best advice while inspecting the course with the athletes , and helps them all to understand the tactics to help them to attack the course in the best way possible . Either he is talking directly to the athletes , during the training day or the race day , or talking to the parents or the co-coaches , he has such a great people skills to communicate things through and with is great knowledge you wish you can listen to him and talk to him all day long and every day . I wish all my kids were coached by him. Tim as such a good addition to the USSA coaching stuff and I am so stoked to know him and learn from him,"
Rian Fried - TPT I’d like to nominate Rian Fried for his incredible impact on our program and the broader athlete experience at Team Palisades Tahoe. Rian has been a crucial addition to our staff, helping oversee the U12 and U14 Devo Teams. From the start, he has brought a culture-first approach that is actively elevating both our coaches and, most importantly, our athletes. The amount of positive change we’ve seen at this pivotal age group has been both refreshing and inspiring. What stands out most is the environment he’s helped create. I’ve had coaches who have been with our program for over 20 years share that the past couple of seasons have been their favorite—largely because of the teamwork, connection, and overall culture within the group. That doesn’t happen by accident. Rian has emphasized building strong relationships and creating meaningful experiences for the athletes. Whether it’s organizing off-snow days like Nordic skiing or fostering a sense of community beyond the race hill, he’s helped shape a program where athletes are not only improving in their skiing but also genuinely enjoying the process and supporting one another. At the same time, the athletes are performing well across the Tahoe Race Series, showing that a positive, connected culture and strong results can go hand in hand. Rian is always looking for ways to elevate the experience and create moments these athletes will remember for a lifetime. His energy, thoughtfulness, and commitment to doing things the right way have made a lasting impact on our program. We are incredibly grateful for everything he brings, and he is a very deserving candidate for this recognition.
Nick Shawkey - In addition to being an overall awesome dude, Nick Shawkey has been involved with the Bear Valley Race Team for over 20 years. Nick raced on the Bear Valley Race Team in the early 80’s as a Junior athlete. He continued racing through college, racing in different series, and USSA Masters. Nick started his Ski Instruction career in 1983. Nick is presently the Head Coach, a US Ski and Snowboard Level 300 Alpine Coach, Level 100 developer, Level 3 – Referee, Chief of Course, Level 2Chief of Race, certified in Timing and Calculation, Race Administrator, and Technical Delegate. Bear Valley Snowsports Foundation Board Member"
Marty Harris - Marty took the most challenging season in years and turned it into a wonderful experience for so many athletes.
"Brian Tidd always putting the athletes first with integrity and a smile... and no ego."
Douglas Kossak for pulling together the South Series Race and running it so smoothly!! Also for reffing and officiating at so many races.
