KMS Freestyle program sends student-athletes to U.S. Freestyle Ski Team

KILLINGTON—Killington Mountain School student-athletes Hannah Soar and Abe Studler have been named to the 2016-2017 U.S. Freestyle Ski Team. This announcement comes on the heels of a stellar season for the KMS Freestyle program, which was named USSA Freestyle Club Program of the Year, in addition to Coach Nori Pepe’s being named USSA Freestyle Domestic Coach of the Year.

Studler took the win in both the Singles and Duals events at Junior Nationals, with Soar taking a spot on the podium both days as well, earning second place in Singles and third in Duals. Studler, a PG student from Brant Lake, N.Y. and Soar, a high school junior from Somers, Conn., were positioned well for their final competitions of the season.

The two traveled with the KMS team to USSA Nationals in Steamboat Springs, Colo., where they competed with the country’s top mogul athletes. Studler finished eighth in Singles and 14th in Duals, as did Soar who took 12th in Singles and 16th in Duals. In addition, Soar qualified to represent the U.S. at the Junior World Championships in Åre, Sweden, which were held on April 9-10. Soar, who was selected to the four-woman team based on her outstanding performances this season, held her own on the World stage, taking fifth in Singles and 11th in Duals.

“Killington Mountain School has a long-standing tradition of producing well-prepared athletes,” remarked U.S. Freestyle Ski Team Head Mogul Coach Matt Gnoza. “The U.S. Ski Team is very excited to add both Hannah and Abe to the 16/17 team roster. I feel that both athletes will be able to step up and produce on the World stage.”

“Hannah and Abe follow a long line of KMS athletes that have qualified for the USST, and it’s great to see two new KMS athletes keeping the pipeline from KMS to the USST flowing.”

“Being named to the U.S. Team has always been a dream of mine,” said Soar. “Now that it is actually happening, it’s surreal. I look forward to joining the national team and continuing my growth in the sport alongside the best mogul skiers in the States.”

“This season began like any other where I had specific goals in mind. However, as the season progressed, I accomplished and surpassed the goals I had set for myself,” said Studler. “I ended on a fantastic note getting second place in the final NorAm, followed by two wins at Junior Nationals and great Nationals finishes. Making the U.S. Ski Team has been one of my career goals, and I didn’t imagine it coming this early. I am so excited to represent my country and train with some of the best skiers in the world. I cannot thank everyone enough who helped me accomplish one of my largest life goals.”

Both athletes will continue their athletic training at KMS this spring, where Soar will complete her high school academic study as well.