SVSEF Alpine Staff Additions And New Roles For 2022/23

Will Brandenburg, SVSEF Alpine Program Director has annoucned that SVSEF Alpine has some Key Staff additions and new roles leading into the 2022/23 season. He said:

Full-Time FIS Coach: Will Courtney

We are excited to announce that Will Courtney will be joining our FIS staff starting July 5th. Will is joining us from the US Ski Team, where he was a World Cup Men’s Tech coach and Strength & Conditioning coach for the past three seasons. Before his time with the US Ski team, Will gained experience as the head Men’s FIS coach at Park City Ski & Snowboard for two years, one year as the Fischer Race Director and two years with Global Racing.

Will’s vast experience with all levels of racing and athlete development will be a great asset to our program. He has a personality that connects with athletes and truly cares about everyone’s relationship with the sport of ski racing. I am excited to see Gladys and Will lead the FIS program for years to come.

New Position – Alpine Coach Education and Career Development Director: Sue Schwartz

We’re excited to announce Sue Schwartz’s new position within SVSEF Alpine. Sue will oversee the Alpine coach education pathway and advancement of our SVSEF coaches through the US Ski and Snowboard certification process. In addition, she will help facilitate the career development of our alpine coaches within SVSEF.

Sue will continue within the FIS team in an assistant role, but she will start her new position immediately and can be reached at sschwartz@svsef.org.

New Position – Junior Program Director: Chuck Harris

We are also thrilled to welcome Chuck Harris back to SVSEF! With the amazing growth and excitement around our program, we have decided to onboard Chuck as our new Junior Program Director. In this position Chuck will oversee all programming for our Baldy Devo, All Home Teams, U12 and U10 Travel Teams. He will be implementing the new Cheeso Cup Home Series and supporting all Mini World Cup and North Series Home events.

With a wealth of experience and coaching knowledge, we can’t wait for Chuck to rejoin our team. Most recently Chuck was the Alpine Director at Sugar Bowl Ski Academy, where he was in charge of all alpine programming from entry level teams through post graduate ski racers. Before becoming Alpine Director at Sugar Bowl, Chuck was Head U16 and FIS coach with us here at SVSEF in addition to prior experience as Head U16 Coach at Jackson Hole Ski Club, Alpine Director at McCall Winter Sports Club, Head Women’s Coach at Ski Club Vail, and Men’s FIS Coach at Burke Mtn Academy.

As Junior Program Director, Chuck will provide additional support for our families, athletes, and coaches in our rapidly growing youth programming. He will also facilitate proper team placement for EVERY young athlete within SVSEF Alpine. Starting July 5, Chuck Harris can be reached at charris@svsef.org

KEY Departure – Austin Savaria: US Ski and Snowboard World Cup Men’s Speed Assistant Coach

We are excited to announce that Austin Savaria has accepted an offer to become an Assistant Coach with the US Ski Team: World Cup Men’s Speed Team. Losing a coach on our staff of Austin’s caliber is never easy, but just like our athletes it is incredible to see our staff develop within our organization and chase their dreams. Austin’s passion for the athletes he works with will be missed. We look forward to following the World Cup for years to come knowing that two recent SVSEF staff members are on the hill supporting the US Speed Team (Randy Pelkey also coached our FIS team, and is the Head Coach for the US men’s speed team).

We are anticipating a majority of our amazing assistant coaches to be returning to their roles for the 22-23 season. There will be some shuffling of our assistant coaches due to career development and staffing needs once registration is finalized for our programs.

I am extremely excited about the additions and changes we have made this spring. I look forward to working with this world class staff to create another amazing ski season for all our athletes and families.

In addition, returning Full-Time & Head Coaches are: