Name: Mariah Bredal
Age: 25
Discipline with JHSC: Nordic
How old were you when you joined JHSC?
12
How long were you a part of JHSC?
Age 12-16/17 (then moved to Norway for last high-school years)
In three sentences or less, explain your entire experience with the club.
I joined JHSC during middle school with the intention to be a more competitive ski racer. I also really enjoyed being around the other skiers in the club and the coaches!
If you were to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
I do not think I would have done much differently if I had the choice. Maybe I would have been a little better at my time managing skills as I do remember finding myself rushing very last minute to training at times.
What was the most fun part of being with the club?
Definitely the atmosphere of the team. The kids were there to have fun skiing and the coaches did a great job of making it fun while also pushing us to be better skiers.
What do you do now?
Professional skier for BSF (Bozeman Ski Foundation) Pro Team
How does your experience with JHSC affect you today, if at all?
Being in the JHSC made a very positive impact in my life and contributed to my decision to pursue skiing further. I ended up skiing for a D1 college and now professionally, all of which may not have happened if I did not have a good time skiing as a junior.
What skills did you learn while competing that apply to life outside of the club?
I think one of the main reasons I liked JHSC when I was younger was due to how fun I thought it was. I realized that I wanted to continue doing something that I personally find happiness in. Additionally I think that putting time and energy into any specific area and then watching the improvements come as a result was highly motivating for me. I feel like I learned a good amount about work ethic and about how sticking to something even when it can be rough every once in a while can be so rewarding.
What is your all-time favorite memory of JHSC?
I have a lot of good memories during my time in JHSC. Some of my favorite times, though, may have been when we went and traveled to places for camps because we would meet up with other teams I had friends on too and also get to see and train in new places! I will never forget my first trip to Canmore, Canada, where I roller skied on a track specifically made for roller skiing for the first time.
If you knew a kid who was thinking about becoming a part of the club, why do you think should they join?
I would highly encourage them to try it out. It teaches so much more than about skiing because the social aspect is way fun and it is also a great way to get outside!
