Stowe’s Green Mountain Academy sent a strong team to last month’s USASA National Championships held in Copper, Colorado. The academy was represented by 11 skiers and 14 snowboarders competing across multiple events.
The snowboarders delivered an impressive performance, earning 17 top-ten finishes across five categories: slalom, giant slalom, boardercross, halfpipe, and slopestyle. Skiers also performed well, securing seven top-ten finishes in slopestyle and halfpipe events.
In addition, seven academy athletes competed at last month’s Junior Freeride Championship in Kirkwood, California. Two of them finished in the top ten.
Among the standout performers were snowboarders Sydney Howard and Pax Draugelis, who both took first place in their events. Kendall Batdorf also had a strong showing with four top-ten finishes and finished second overall.
The Green Mountain Academy athletes who reached the podium last month include:
- Marlee Anderson, 16, Jeffersonville (2nd in GS, 3rd in SL)
- Sydney Howard, 14, Bolton (1st in GS, 1st in SL, 1st overall)
- Pax Draugelis, 15, Morrisville (1st in GS, 1st in SL, 1st overall)
- Kendall Batdorf, 16, Williston (2nd overall)
- Emery (last name not listed), 8, Williston (2nd in GS, 2nd in BX)
- Kennedy Percy, 8, Hartland (3rd in HP)
- Tristan Murphy, 18, East Burke (3rd in SS)
The academy also praised Sydney Howard for her remarkable comeback this season. After dislocating her hip during practice at last year’s Nationals, Sydney showed incredible determination and a fierce competitive spirit.
“Her determination and resolve are unmatched,” the academy said in a press release.