January is the Month of TEAMWORK
December was a mostly cold month (and then, suddenly, a briefly WARM month!), challenging our athletes with seemingly incomprehensible December temperatures at both ends of the scale. Nevertheless, they persisted in their COMMITMENT, demonstrating adaptability to change and just how adept they could be, training in tricky conditions.
Learning together, they enter the month of TEAMWORK, when we focus on how much of what we do at JHSC depends on the work, commitment, and reliability of so many others. Standing at the Betty Woolsey Classic this week or the Sean Nurse Memorial last week, one would be amazed at the number of people it takes to make an event happen; at the same time, it felt, some days at the Snow King base, like there were more spectators and supporters than participants in some of the races. The energy and enthusiasm, the pride of friends and parents in their student-athletes, and the dedication of our coaches and race crews are amazing. Together, we continue to make it happen.
In the shift between celebrations of these two values is a great moment to honor the continued commitment of those JHSC Alumni who have rejoined our team, now as coaches: over 20% of our roughly 80 coaches this season are back with the Club, pursuing a mission that they believe led to their own success with our next generation of athletes. We are so grateful for them all—here are just a few:
For another great instance of Teamwork, check out this month's Alpine Program Update for a "Behind the Scenes" view of an Alpine Race and meet the members of the race crew.
We're grateful to the entire group of people who make competitive snowsports possible for our 500 student-athletes: our dedicated staff and coaches, parents and families, volunteers, alumni, local school and venue partners, sponsors, and our community of supporters.
As we enter a packed month of competitions, our athletes will learn, guided by our amazing coaches, how much they can grow when they train, travel, and compete together.
January is a big month for JHSC as we're hosting 20 days of Junior events: we hope to see you out there rooting on our athletes!!
For a full list of competitions that we'll host in Jackson this season, please visit our CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Alumni Spotlight
Name: Hadley Hammer
Age: 36
Discipline with JHSC:
Alpine Racing, Freeride Skiing
How old were you when you joined JHSC?
5th grade* don’t hold me responsible to this answer….
How long were you a part of JHSC?
4 years* again not positive, but I believe two years racing, two years freeride skiing….
In three sentences or less, explain your entire experience with the club.
My years as the only girl and first group in the new Freeride Program was a memorable shift of my self-confidence and curiosity about what I could do on skis. I remember the camaraderie—the jokes on the chairlift, the long van rides, playing card games in hotel rooms. I learned to love skiing and learned to appreciate the community around me.
If you were to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
Nothing.
What was the most fun part of being with the club?
The van rides probably… but this speaks to the fun had as a group of kids.
What do you do now?
Professional skier/ski mountaineer and writer
How does your experience with JHSC affect you today, if at all?
Being a part of the club was my first experience with not being the best athlete but finding ways for personal and athletic growth despite of and because of my lack of “natural” talent. It taught me that I could just work harder and get to the same place-that growth was up to me.
What skills did you learn while competing that apply to life outside of the club?
The ski club helped me learn time management. How to train, work, study, eat, and sleep all in one day.
What is your all-time favorite memory of JHSC?
I don’t have a single memory, but rather a collection of chairlift rides, van rides, races and big air competitions, training days, and study halls-all these small moments that build upon a rich memory of my time at the ski club.
If you knew a kid that was thinking about becoming a part of the club, why do you think they should join?
Skiing can be the activity that brings endless joy, a strong community, and a sense of self worth.
Anything to add?
I was never a “successful” athlete for the club—I didn’t get on any podiums, was never the best or even near the top, yet I now make my living as a professional skier. My hope for every coach, parent, and especially kid in the ski club is to teach/learn a good foundation while at the club and most importantly discover the way skiing can become an expression of yourself—to have the patience to know that you don’t have to be the best when you’re young, you just have to foster the curiosity about what you’re able to do.
Learn more about Hadley's career in the mountains by following her on Instagram @hadhammer
Read her writing, share your stories, and get involved in the conversation at hadleyhammer.com/discourse
Important SAS Dates/Events:
Clubwide Eligibility Check (G6-12): January 11
