Cathy Okoniewski Joins U.S. Ski & Snowboard Eastern Region As Youth Development Coach

U.S. Ski & Snowboard has hired Kathy Okoniewski as its Eastern Region Youth Development Coach. Okoniewski previously worked at the divisional level as the Youth Coordinator for New York State Ski Racing Association (NYSSRA). As a former U.S. Ski Team member and longtime coach, she brings a wealth of experience in working with young athletes and a keen understanding of long-term development. She will begin her position with U.S. Ski & Snowboard on Dec. 1.

“I love the sport of ski racing, love working with athletes and hope to have a positive impact in my role as youth development coach,” said Okoniewski. “It will be a privilege to work with the staff in the Eastern region to develop lasting connections within our divisions.”

The Eastern region is one of three U.S. Ski & Snowboard regions established under the authority of the alpine sport committee and is responsible for the regulation of alpine skiing competition across the eight divisions of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Tri-State, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the Southern Alpine Racing Association. As youth development coach, Okoniewski will oversee training, competition, conditioning projects and Skills Quest tournaments for U14 and U16 athletes throughout the region. She will also contribute to coaches’ education clinics and work with the rest of the regional and national development staff on key initiatives.

The Eastern region will benefit tremendously from Kathy’s experience leading, mentoring, and developing young athletes, and her ability to collaborate with other coaches on high-quality projects,” said Chip Knight, U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Alpine Development Director. “Her addition will help us pull the region together and advance more fundamentally prepared ski racers into the FIS ranks."