Steamboat Springs’ moguls skier Anabel Ayad has been selected for the newly formed Moguls National Development Group, an initiative launched by U.S. Ski and Snowboard to nurture the next generation of elite moguls athletes and strengthen the national talent pipeline.
The Moguls National Development Group brings together the country’s top developmental moguls skiers. Selection was based on direct competition results at Nor-Am events, U.S. Championships, and other domestic FIS races. Those chosen earned invitations to join national development projects aimed at elevating their skills.
Nineteen-year-old Ayad earned her spot with a standout season. She achieved three top-six finishes at the Junior World Ski Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan, including a fourth-place in dual moguls and a bronze medal in the dual moguls team event.
Additionally, Ayad secured five top-five finishes during the Nor-Am Cup series, with two second-place podiums. She wrapped up the season placing 11th in moguls and 14th in dual moguls at the U.S. National Championship.
The group will train under U.S. Ski and Snowboard Freestyle Sport Director Matt Gnoza, who will serve as head coach for the program’s first year. Gnoza plans to focus on conditioning through the summer to prepare athletes for stronger performances during the winter season.
Athletes will also benefit from sessions with expert guest coaches, including members of the PSIA National Team, World Cup and Olympic gold medal-winning coaches, as well as specialists in sports psychology and strength training.
The development group will have access to CARV, an advanced ski-analysis tool that collects performance data and offers athletes real-time feedback to refine their technique.
“The Moguls National Development Group is exactly what we need to continue promoting moguls skiing in the U.S. and ensure our athletes have the support to become world leaders,” Gnoza said. “We have a proud legacy in this sport, and this group will help us build on that foundation.”