Ski Racing Coach-Athlete Perspectives With Lucy Wirth

We were thrilled to welcome Lucy Wirth as a first-year coach at our Mt. Hood Ski Racing Camp for Girls this summer! Lucy is from Jackson, WY, and previously joined us as a coach-intern at our whitewater kayaking camp. She’s been eager to continue coaching with KC ever since!

Lucy brings a contagious energy to all of her endeavors and stepped confidently into her new coaching role. One of her biggest takeaways? How much the experience elevated her own skiing and growth as an athlete. We sat down with Lucy to hear more about what she learned and we’re stoked to share it with you!

Welcome Lucy! Let’s start by having you tell us about your history with Keely’s Camp and how you landed the job as a first year coach?

I was lucky enough to participate in three camps with KC throughout my early ski racing career. I did two Mt Hood Ski Racing Camps and one Colorado Ski Racing Camp. Growing up in Jackson, I was coached by many of the amazing women that worked for Keely so when the opportunity to coach alongside them arose, I was so inspired to join them. They worked so hard to make ski racing a positive, supportive experience for me and I hope I can do the same for the next generation of female skiers!

Where are you in your ski racing career and how did this coaching experience impact your outlook as an athlete?

I am a FIS athlete and a rising u21 for the Jackson Hole Ski and Snowboard Club and the Western Region Team. This coaching experience opened my eyes to the time, energy, and commitment coaches dedicate to their athletes on and off the hill. This experience also emphasized that the little things leading up to a race and training such as warmup, drills, and recovering are just as important as time on snow.

What surprised you most about coaching?

It felt so empowering to share knowledge about skiing with other passionate young girls and watch a new skill “click” with the advice I was giving them. As an athlete, I have experienced how frustrating the training process can be. Being able to help athletes work through their own stagnancy with an understanding, yet constructive space to improve is something that I never thought would be so rewarding.

Who has been your favorite coach in your ski racing history and why?

My favorite coach in my racing career was my u16 coach named Ned. He is from former Yugoslavia and is the kindest, comforting coach -and possibly person- I have ever met. He is caring, yet has passion and drive to make all of his athletes better wherever they are in their skiing. He showed me how important having base line strength is in ski racing and how to build on that base technically and tactically.

Can we expect to see you back at KC in the future?

I would love to come back to coach on Mt. Hood again, it was so much fun!!!