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Jared Lutz – Miami of Ohio
Other than being a national champ basically as a toddler, Jared has held a pivotal role in the Midwest and NCWSA. Not only has he been a fearless leader for MOH, leading them to 2 D2 national championships, he has also served on the national board, working with rule changes and meet with skiers/ reps from the regions on input as to represent the skier’s best interest. He received this position because of his depth of knowledge, passion for the sport, and impeccable talent & performances skiing year after year.
My favorite part about Jared though, and why he deserves this award: He is one of the most humble skiers I have ever met. He will slay 35 off in 25 mph wind, and then talk about how great all the other competitors were. He is always looking to improve his own skills and those around him. He is a great coach and a natural born leader.
Jared understands that it is not just one person that drives success. Jared is all about the team and will always highlight the importance of team depth over individual talent. He inspires every skier to perform their best, for the team as well as for themselves.
Jean Khlonko Bull – Michigan State
Jean was such a crucial part of Michigan State’s success the past 2 years. Jean had never competed in 3 event, (let alone tricked OR jumped) and ended her senior season as D2 national champion. Jean was on the podium as well at conferences AND regionals.
This great feat does not just come and it is not luck. Jean spent countless hours perfecting her technique, leaning into constructive criticism, asking constantly for coaching advice, watching videos of herself and others, doing whatever it took to make her goal a reality.
She even traveled across the country, multiple times, to get the best training. But did not keep it to herself, but brought that knowledge back, to further help other skiers on her team develop. She learned twice as much about skiing in the past 2 years than I think I have my whole life.
Almost every day, Jean would wake up at 5am (even when it is 55 degrees out) just to get that one extra set in before the day began, only to have a full day of class (SHES A DOUBLE MAJOR) and come back out at night to help coach and continue to train.
She is a hard worker in everything she does, whether it be on the lake or in the classroom. As a previous D1 athlete in TWO separate sports, she brings her competitive drive to the ski community and it is contagious!
Yes, Jean is a very diligent, hard worker that has brought success to herself, but she brought success to every individual that she encountered. She works hard to be encouraging, supportive, motivational, and an instructional coach.
Jean is the most driven girl I know undoubtedly deserves this award. If she puts her mind to something, good luck getting in her way. She’ll blow you away with her scores and talent, but also with the love and grace instilled in her heart.
UNIVERSITY OF INDIANA!!!
U of I has been in the growth stage for many previous seasons. It was SO exciting to watch them qualify for the first time ever to attend Midwest Collegiate Regional s. They are the perfect example of what hard work, dedication, and consistency can get you.Everyone obviously gets pumped when their team qualifies and moves on, but I will never forget the looks on the skiers faces when their school name got announced over that mic. So many hugs, so much adrenaline, and so much pride for their school and for midwest skiing.
Even when they did not qualify for nationals, UI still were reaching out to other midwest teams, offering their site for practices on the way. This team is young, but they are driven and with how much they have improved in the past year, I expect nothing but greatness in the years to come.
Kudos to Lauren Goldman for being at the forefront of her squad and being a great leader for this team.
Jackie Hardie – University of Michigan
Although she may be of the rival school, there is no doubt that this incredible girl deserves Rookie of the Year. It was awesome watching Jackie throughout her freshman season to develop into, not only a key competitor for UM as an athlete, but also a young leader for the team. Jackie was always there to cheer her teammates (and other team midwest skiers) and was constantly trying to improve her skill set to perform her best and put up some killer scores. My favorite part of watching Jackie this season, was seeing the passion for competitive 3 event grow within her (catching that ski bug:)). Even months after season was over, Jackie was reaching out to me, asking for feedback and leaning into what she can improve upon for next season. Jackie is a go-getter, and with all she contributed in her first season, I cannot wait to see the improvement in her skiing and the impact she will have on the MCWSA in the future years to come.