PNWSEF | ATHLETE IMPACT SPOTLIGHT
Cooper Rust
Investing in Athletes. Inspiring the Next Generation.
From Athlete to Mentor: The Ripple Effect of Investing in Ski Racing
Cooper at Mt. Hood Coaching for Mt. Hood Summer Ski Camps
At the Pacific Northwest Ski Education Foundation (PNWSEF), we believe that investing in young athletes creates an impact that extends far beyond the racecourse.
For Individual Athlete Grant recipient Cooper Rust, support from the Foundation has helped ease the costs of pursuing competitive alpine ski racing while reinforcing his connection to the community that has supported his development.
Cooper's commitment to the sport is evident both in his racing accomplishments and in his desire to give back. In addition to pursuing his own competitive goals, Cooper has spent his summers coaching young ski racers with Mt. Hood Summer Ski Camps (MHSSC) at Timberline, sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with the next generation.
In Cooper's Words
"I am incredibly grateful to the PNWSEF for honoring me, which has helped my journey as a U16 ski racer by easing the financial demands of high-level training and competition. This support did not just help me with funding, it has also fueled my passion for the sport and reinforced the strong connection I have with the ski racing community.
I have already begun giving back to this amazing community by working as a summer ski race coach with MHSSC up at Timberline. I spend as many weeks as I can during the summer helping the next generation of young athletes discover their own love for ski racing and improving their skiing.
Thank you for investing in my future and empowering me to share the joy of ski racing with others."
— Cooper Rust, PNWSEF Individual Athlete Grant Recipient
Cooper ski racing at age 8 and 16, and earning the PNW’s 2025 NW Cup Series Men’s Overall 2nd place title.
A Coach's Perspective: Dedication, Growth & Achievement
Cooper's commitment has translated into impressive results as he transitions into FIS-level competition.
During the 2025–26 season, his first year racing FIS, Cooper competed throughout the Western Region, earning multiple top-15 finishes in Slalom and Super G. A standout result came in Sun Valley, where he placed third in his age group at a Western Region FIS Slalom race.
His performances also earned him qualification to represent MRT and the Western Region at the U.S. National Championships in Vail, Colorado.
His coach, Katy Loewy shares:
"Cooper had a great first season competing at the FIS level in 2025–26. As a first-year FIS athlete, he competed throughout the Western Region, earning several top-15 finishes in Slalom and Super G. One of the highlights of his season was a third-place finish in his age group at a Western Region FIS Slalom race in Sun Valley.
Cooper also qualified to represent MRT and the Western Region at US Nationals in Vail, Colorado, an exciting accomplishment. He ultimately chose to stay closer to home and compete in Sun Valley.
What stands out most about Cooper is his maturity and commitment to the sport. He brings a strong work ethic to every training session, sets goals for himself, and continues to refine his technique and race tactics. He also balances the demands of high-level ski racing with his responsibilities as a high school senior, which speaks to his dedication and time management.
He's continuing to put in the work this offseason, and we're excited to see what he accomplishes as he takes the next step in his FIS racing career in the 2026–27 season."
— Coach Katy Loewy, MRT
The Impact Goes Beyond the Finish Line
Cooper's story reflects the lasting value of investing in athlete development.
PNWSEF Individual Athlete Grants help reduce financial barriers to training and competition, allowing promising athletes to pursue their goals. But the return on that investment reaches further.
Cooper is already turning the support he has received into opportunities for others. By coaching younger athletes, he is helping cultivate the same passion, confidence, and sense of community that have shaped his own journey.
This is the ripple effect of supporting Pacific Northwest ski racing: today's Individual Athlete Grant recipients become tomorrow's coaches, mentors, and leaders.
Cooper summiting Mt Hood with Jackie Wiles and his Dad, John.
Help Us Continue the Impact
Through scholarships, grants, and athlete development initiatives, the Pacific Northwest Ski Education Foundation works to strengthen the future of snow sports across our region.
Your support helps athletes like Cooper pursue their potential—and inspires them to lift up the next generation.
Invest in Athletes. Strengthen Our Community. Support the Future of Ski Racing.
Pacific Northwest Ski Education Foundation (PNWSEF)