BY HEATHER FOSTER
Sun Valley Alpine Ski Coach Gladys Weidt has been awarded the Intermountain Division Nick Lewis Coach of the Year.
This is the second consecutive year that a Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation coach has received the prestigious award, as U14 Travel Team Head Coach Charlotte Gourlay was named the IMD Coach of the Year in 2023.
Weidt, SVSEF’s assistant alpine director and assistant coach of the Alpine U16 Team, received the award at the 2023-24 Intermountain Division Annual Meeting Awards Banquet this past week.
“Over the last few seasons, Gladys has played a pivotal role in elevating the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation’s Alpine Program,” said Will Brandenburg, SVSEF Alpine Program Director. “Her leadership in managing both our FIS and U16 programs has been instrumental in fostering the athletic achievements of our athletes, including the significant accomplishment of six athletes being named to the U.S. Ski Team.”
Under Weidt’s guidance, Ryder Sarchett clinched a World Junior gold medal and Haley Cutler secured a spot in the World Cup downhill races for the upcoming 2024/25 season. This past season, she made the selfless decision to step down as the FIS Team head coach to maximize her impact by taking on the role of Assistant Alpine Director and Assistant U16 Coach.
“Gladys’s unique perspective and dedication to the club were evident as she chose to utilize her skills where they would be most effective, rather than seeking higher titles,” said Brandenburg. “This shift has had a profound effect on our program, notably contributing to our U16 male and female athletes (Tucker Reimund and Taylor Moe) winning the 2024 IMD overall titles.”
While SVSEF’s Head U16 Coach Nate Schwing plays a crucial role in the athletes’ development, Gladys’s approach to engaging with the athletes complements and enhances his efforts.
“Gladys’s commitment extends beyond coaching to fostering mental and physical wellness among our athletes,” said Brandenburg. “She has spearheaded initiatives to expand our understanding and implementation of wellness practices within our organization, and her values and dedication to personal development through sports have profoundly influenced not only the athletes she coaches but also our broader community. Her contributions are invaluable, and she embodies the spirit and excellence that the Nick Lewis Intermountain Coach of the Year Award seeks to recognize.”
SVSEF recipients of Intermountain Division awards during the last decade include:
2023-24 Coach of the Year - Gladys Weidt
2022-23 Coach of the Year - Charlotte Gourlay
2022-23 Volunteer of the Year - Sean O’Connor
2022-23 Steve Bounous Excellence in Skiing Award (Men) - Finnigan Donley
2021-22 Official of the Year - Riley Berman
2020-21 Steve Bounous Excellence in Skiing Award (Men) - Ryder Sarchett
2017-18 Official of the Year - Scott McGrew
2016-17 Bryce Astle Intermountain Cup Award (Men) - Jack Smith
2016-17 Bryce Astle Intermountain Cup Award (Women) - Lily Fitzgerald
2016-17 Coach of the Year - Nate Schwing
2016-17 Volunteer of the Year - Heather Flood Daves
2015-16 Bryce Astle Intermountain Cup Award (Women) - Lily Fitzgerald
2014-15 IMD Scholar Award - Stockton Troyer
2012-13 Intermountain Cup Award (Women) - Kyla Miller