Every afternoon from Monday to Friday, the skiers of Loomis Chaffee eagerly drive 45 minutes to their slope, Ski Sundown. Captain Katherine Geoghan ’27 describes the regular season as a “serious time commitment”; returning to campus at around 7:00 pm. “While the schedule can be demanding, it also creates a strong sense of routine and discipline,” Geoghan says.
She also explains how, in order to ensure maximum efficiency, the team gets their gear on during the ride so that they can begin skiing right upon arrival. Although it can be long and stressful at times, Geoghan believes that “[The time we spend together] on the buses, at the mountain, and during long afternoons is what makes us unique.”
The upperclassmen work especially hard to make the underclassmen feel welcomed, supported, and help them adjust to this intense schedule. Geoghan strives to be as approachable as possible and allow them to reach out comfortably, as she understands the physical and mental challenge of the first year of skiing at Loomis. Freshman Lana Deng ’29 can account for this, as she has been on the receiving end of much assistance from her older peers.
“My captains and upperclassmen were really nice and supportive, always helping out and answering our questions,” Lana recalls.
As a fairly experienced skier, Deng remarks how happy she is to ski alongside other strong members and improve her own abilities. The team, however, is not composed only of skiers with experience and welcomes skiers of all abilities. They all have a sense of mutual respect and encouragement for each other, making for a positive environment.
“There is a strong emphasis on the idea that no matter how long you’ve been skiing, you belong on the team,” Geoghan states.
And this member-to-member support goes beyond positive moments. Even following bad races, in difficult weather conditions, or through general frustration, the athletes encourage each other to always stay positive and focused on improvement rather than dwelling on setbacks. The team believes that creating and sustaining a strong team culture means reminding people that a single race does not define them and that resilience is an essential part of skiing.
Geoghan concluded the interview by sharing, “Everyone on the ski team works incredibly hard to balance demanding academics with a sport that requires a significant time commitment. That dedication, combined with the team’s supportive culture, is something I’m really proud to be a part of.”
The Loomis skiers will be hitting the hills next on February 11th in the David Rockwell Giant Slalom Championship at Ski Sundown.
