December RISE Ambassadors

The community of the LLSC lives by the RISE principles of Respect, Inclusion, Support, and Effort. These are things that we ask our athletes, coaches and parents to display on daily basis to ensure our community is welcoming, unified and striving for excellence. With sponsorship from Gear Up in Canmore, we are proud to once again acknowledge individuals each month who go above and beyond in upholding RISE. Congratulations to December's RISE Ambassadors

Leah Landero GRIZZLIES

She is always willing to try new tricks in the park, for example when we started learning 180s she gave it a try on the first run. When we did a partnering activity, she partnered up with one of the girls who is a bit shy and made sure to wait for her to catch up at the bottom of each section of the run. I have also seen her cheering on the rest of her teammates as they push themselves in the park.

Savina Johnston, Grizzlies Coach

Nico Johnston RACE

Nico has proven himself exemplary when it comes to RISE values this season. His effort and willingness to becoming a better version of himself physically in the gym and getting out of his comfort zone has led to big changes in his skiing and given him a new confidence. Nico reaches out to teammates when they are having a down day, offers a unique sense of comic relief to the group and he is working hard to make new connections with all his teammates. He is learning to respect the process and long-term outlook of become a better skier; he’s always prepared, knows the plan, and no matter how his day went he always says THANK YOU to the coaches! Keep up the great work Nico!

​Jennifer Clarridge, U16 Head Coach

Matthew Gray-Donald FREERIDE

​Matthew Gray-Donald encompasses everything we stand for regarding respect, inclusion, support and effort here in the LLSC. Firstly, he demonstrates the highest regard for respect, not only towards me as a coach, but towards his teammates. He always treats everyone with kindness and goes out of his way to be a role model for the rest of the group by staying attentive and engaged at practice. He shows great deals of support and inclusion by ensuring to cheer on his mates when going for a big send outside their comfort zone. I can always depend on Matthew to ride up the chair with anyone and everyone; no complaints in sight. Finally, what makes Matthew a standout athlete is his continuous effort to become a better technical skier. It has been a pleasure coaching Matthew so far, and I look forward to his future achievements with the Freeride Club.

​Liam Morrison, Freeride Head Coach

Maggie Burns COACH

As a young, dynamic coach, Maggie brings an infectious energy to the slopes. Her passion for skiing is contagious, and it’s clear that her athletes and fellow coaches thrive in her presence. Maggie’s eagerness to learn and grow makes her an invaluable member of the team, and she’s always ready to share her love for the sport with those around her. At the end of each day, you can find Maggie recounting her athletes' successes with pride, often sprinkling in some hilarious stories along the way. Her enthusiasm and positivity make her a standout coach and an inspiring presence on the team. We’re so excited to see all the great things Maggie will accomplish this season!

Emily Clarke, Grizzlies Head Coach

Chris Rittman PARENT

Chris always has an amazingly positive attitude on the hill, whether he is volunteering at a race, club event, ripping around the mountain or greeting people at the base area. He is willing to help with whatever is needed, including sharing equipment. Chris very kindly offered an extra set of poles to a new Grizzlies athlete who lost one during their first ski day of the season. It is these types of actions that make our LLSC community so welcoming and great to be a part of. Keep being awesome Chris!

​Emily Clarke, Grizzlies Head Coach