Written By: Emma Wakefield
The Midwest Junior Development Team features talented junior athletes from all around the Midwest. Every year the team takes a week-long trip down to Picko’s Ski School in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. This gives young skiers the opportunity to improve their skills at a world renowned ski school. Some would say it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.
“Skiing at Picko’s was the best coaching I’ve ever gotten in my whole career,” former team member Sophie Janzig said.
Not only is the team a chance for juniors to receive top-notch coaching, but it’s also a way to form lifelong friendships with competitors.
“We all compete against each other, but at the end of the day no matter how it goes we’re all still gonna be friends,” former team member Jaret Zoellner said. “And I think the team really emphasizes that.”
During the week of camp, juniors ski three times during the day, then the evening features team-bonding activities such as paddle board races, water park trips, and camp fires on the beach.
“The team building exercises bring us together more than normal tournaments would. It takes the competing aspect out of it, and creates a bond,” Zoellner said.
It’s easy for kids to get overwhelmed by the pressure to perform well, but having a group of friends by their side makes it a little easier. The team helps diminish the stress often associated with an individualized sport.
“It really made me enjoy water skiing more,” former team member Samantha Hoops said. “When you’re by yourself it’s not as fun, but when you have a whole community of people it turns into something special.”
A limit of 20 skiers qualify for the team. Qualification depends on a couple of factors– yearly rankings, and Midwest Regionals performance. The decision is made at the regional tournament and the deadline for entries is noon on Saturday. Although some years are more competitive than others, it never hurts to apply.
The Junior Midwest Team is a great opportunity for young and determined skiers to improve their skills while forming life-long connections.
Have questions? Reach out the Junior Development Team Coordinator, Shane Bucher.