2025 Stifel Alpine Awards Announced
The annual Stifel Awards were handed out to the nine recipients at the Toyota U.S. Alpine Championships presented by Stifel. The awards honor athletes and staff from the season ranging from best comeback to rookie of the year and staff member of the year.
The Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athletes voted on the categories through two rounds of voting and each winner received a $1,000 check - made possible by Stifel.
“The recipients of this year's awards are well deserved. Whether it was an impressive comeback story or just a valued member of our team, it is a great way to cap off a successful and long season,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief of Sport Anouk Patty.
o Best Comeback (Men): Bridger Gile
Gile has been plagued with back problems for the last several years. This season, he was able to manage the pain and complete a full season, during which he scored his first World Cup points in giant slalom.
o Best Comeback (Women): Breezy Johnson
Johnson has had a difficult past few seasons but overcame the challenges to capture golds in downhill and the team combined at the World Championships. Johnson then went on to capture another World Cup podium in Kvitfjell.
o Most Improved (Men): Ben Ritchie
Ritchie has always shown promise in slalom, but this season he catapulted himself to new success. Ritchie scored multiple personal bests and ended the season in his best slalom rank to date, capping off the season with a new personal best at the Stifel Sun Valley Finals.
o Most Improved (Women): Lauren Macuga
Macuga has had an incredible breakout season on the World Cup circuit, including a World Cup win and a World Championships medal. It was a huge improvement from the previous season when her best result was fifth place.
o Rookie of the Year (Men): Stanley Buzek
Buzek consistently showed strength in slalom as a young rookie and this season was no different. Buzek helped lead the Junior Worlds team to two medals with his talent in the team parallel and team event.
o Rookie of the Year (Women): Elisabeth Bocock
Bocock continued to impress this season on the World Cup tour, claiming personal bests and a top-10 World Cup result in giant slalom.
o Athlete of the Year (Men): Ryan Cochran-Siegle
Cochran-Siegle is always a speed skier to watch. He continued his build this season with a strong start in Val Gardena where he garnered another podium result in downhill.
o Athlete of the Year (Women): Lauren Macuga
Macuga has had a laudable breakout season on the World Cup circuit, which included a World Cup win and a World Championships medal.
o Staff Member of the Year: Zan Spilar
Spilar, the women’s tech World Cup coach, took on a huge load this season and did it with confidence and grace. His athletes and the alpine program appreciate Spilar and his efforts.
