Marist Ski Team Wins On and Off the Course.

The 2022 Marist Ski Team. Source: Ski Team Member Bridget Reilly '22

Rising to success this semester is the Marist Alpine Ski Racing team, as they secured wins on and off the slopes. Recently placed in the top three for Slalom and Giant Slalom events two weeks ago, the ski team is shredding the slopes like no other year before.  

It's been almost two years since the Marist ski team season was cut short in 2020 because of COVID-19, but the team of racers is better than ever. Originally founded in the late 90s, the team was added to USCSA’s McBrine Division of the Eastern Collegiate Ski Conference. Since then, alumni continue to stay integrated to the team and watch the new members carry on the team spirit and skill.

Over 13 students, mostly a mix of freshmen and sophomores, were recruited in the 2021 fall semester. These new recruits have redefined the team in ways that were unlike any other years. Initially, the captains were worried of a change in dynamic because of the vast majority being new recruits with only seven as returning members. However, the love and spirit of the team is visibly present.  

Part of what helps the team win during the race and get through eight hour days and four hour bus rides is the support everyone shares. 

“Everyone is friends with one another on the team, and there are no cliques or side groups,” said senior ski captain Olivia Cincinelli ‘22. “We all share a love for the sport that shows the way everyone acts towards each other on race weekends.” 

While recruiting took place a few months back, the interest to join the team increased exponentially, which also had to do with their inability to have a season in 2021. 

“[The team] had a ton of interest this year,” said Meg Quinn ‘22, ski team racer. “We had about 100 initial signups and just over ten roster spots to offer, which definitely made the team selection tricky.” 

This sport can be considered a mental and physical one that can make it difficult for racers on these long weekends. While racers have their own individual race time and ranking, everything contributes to the team ranking as a whole. 

“[The ski team culture is] quite unique since it is a combination of a team sport just as much as it is an individual one,” Quinn said. “There is a tough balance when it comes to [building a reputation] because there is always going to be that goal of being the best while also fully supporting one another the whole way through.” 

Quinn and Cincinelli have developed a lasting friendship with members of the ski team because of how close knit the team becomes when traveling and racing. Generally, the team’s season consists of spending five weekends consecutively from January to February together. 

Quinn describes the team as “that perfect combination,” of support and competition, and the culture that has stemmed from this is “truly special.”

Drew Taylor ‘24, Quinn ‘22, Nikki Filias ‘24, Chase Muller ‘25 and Nick Vajtay ‘23 are just a handful of the top placing racers.

While the season may be coming to a close, the team is off to regionals with half of the team.  “Ten [racers] have even qualified for regionals which will take place this weekend at Sugarloaf in Maine,” Cincinelli said.