PNWSEF Launches Annual Appeal to Support Coaches’ Education
The Pacific Northwest Ski Education Foundation (PNWSEF) is proud to announce that this year’s Annual Appeal will focus on one of the most important investments we can make in our sport: supporting coaches’ education.
Beginning this season, U.S. Ski & Snowboard (USSS) now requires every coach who enters a USSS-sanctioned race arena to hold a Level 100 Coach Certification or higher. While this new mandate strengthens the quality, consistency, and safety of coaching nationwide, it also presents a significant financial burden for coaches and the clubs they serve.
At its annual board retreat this fall, the PNWSEF Board unanimously agreed that supporting clubs through this transition is essential for the health of skiing in our region. To help offset these increased operating costs, PNWSEF will begin offering reimbursement to coaches who complete their Level 100 certification, starting in late fall 2025.
Our clubs cannot thrive without knowledgeable, well-trained coaches. By contributing to the Annual Appeal, you can directly support this critical education effort and ensure that Pacific Northwest coaches have access to the training they need.
Join Us in Supporting Coaches
Donate today and support the next generation of PNW ski leadership.
Congratulations to the 2025 PNWSEF Scholarship Recipients
Jane Henry Scholarship - Izzy Bielen (MHRTA athlete)
We are honored to recognize Izzy Bielen as a recipient of the Jane Henry Scholarship, awarded to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary resilience, character, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Izzy’s journey in ski racing has not only shaped her as an athlete, but as a person. In April 2024, she sustained a traumatic brain injury during a training run at the Mammoth speed series. The severity of the injury required an emergency airlift and intensive care. With strength, courage, and the support of her coaches, friends, and family, Izzy made a full recovery and returned to racing—ultimately qualifying for senior U.S. Nationals.
Her recovery revealed a powerful inner drive and helped clarify her next goal: to pursue a career in service to others. Izzy is now preparing to study engineering at Montana State University while participating in ROTC, with the aspiration of joining the U.S. Air Force. Her commitment to overcoming adversity, coupled with her passion for helping others, reflects the exact spirit the Jane Henry Scholarship seeks to uplift. Congratulations Izzy!
Jane Henry Scholarship - Vanessa Stevens (CMAC athlete)
Vanessa Stevens has been selected as a recipient of the Jane Henry Scholarship, in recognition of her exceptional dedication to ski racing and her potential as both an athlete and future leader in the sport.
Vanessa has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to improving her performance over the years with CMAC (Crystal Mountain Alpine Club). Her persistence, even through moments of frustration, has led to notable breakthroughs in her racing this past season. Coaches have consistently praised her strong work ethic, positive attitude, and leadership—especially when mentoring younger athletes during practices.
A high school senior preparing for college, Vanessa is working hard to continue her ski racing career while managing the growing financial responsibilities of higher education. This scholarship will help ease that burden, allowing her to pursue both academic and athletic goals with focus and determination. Congratulations Vanessa!
Bruce Holyoke Scholarship - Kyle Larsen (MSSRT coach)
This year’s Bruce Holyoke Scholarship has been awarded to an outstanding individual whose dedication to ski racing and commitment to developing the next generation of athletes truly embodies the spirit of this honor - Kyle Larsen (coach at Mt. Spokane).
From a young age, Kyle has demonstrated an unwavering passion for ski racing—first as an athlete, and now as a coach with the Mount Spokane Ski Race Team. Through this journey, he's shown resilience, discipline, and a strong desire to give back to the community that shaped him. Kyle recently completed his Level 100 coaching certification and is actively pursuing his Level 200 certification. He's invested deeply in mentoring and inspiring young athletes. Attending college in Spokane while also coaching for the Mt. Spokane Ski Race team, this scholarship will help ease the financial challenges of higher education, allowing Kyle to continue growing as a coach and a role model in the ski racing world. Congratulations Kyle!