Hundreds of volunteers show up throughout the year as the human power behind BSF’s events and team activities. Without them, BSF could not exist. Several dozen of those volunteers put in incredible hours above and beyond. Here are our three volunteers of the year!
Hunter Lacey
Hunter’s dedication and tireless efforts have significantly contributed to our athletes, our mission, and the community we serve. A BSF alum and parent, Hunter put over 369 hours into the freestyle team alone. And for the last five years, he has served on the BSF Board of Directors. Hunter is a spreader of stoke and a great role model for our athletes. “He engages with everyone!” says Mike Papke, BSF Freestyle Program Director.
Hunter’s unwavering commitment, exceptional skills, and positive attitude have not only helped BSF achieve our goals but also inspired others to join our cause. He embodies the true spirit of volunteerism, and his contributions are invaluable.
Simia Ranieri
Simia Ranieri’s exceptional dedication and enthusiasm have made a tremendous impact on our organization. She serves on our parent committee and books all the lodging for traveling teams for Freestyle, Freeskiing and FreeRide. Simia was a huge part of our first IFSA event success. Whether securing sponsors or skiing down volunteer lunches, she always does it with a smile.
These efforts have freed up time for coaches and program directors to better serve the organization. Simia makes quick work of tasks and does it for the love of the sport.
Sarah Alexander
If the Nordic program needs something, Sarah Alexander is always there. From serving on the Nordic Committee, to pitching in during races, Sarah kept us going. But most of all, we want to recognize what Sarah did for the BSF FUNSKI series. She organized an effort, over several years, of turning this small cross country racing event into a thriving community race series. With lots of elbow grease, a knack for rallying other volunteers, and creative problem solving, Sarah has made sure these races are inclusive, with a decent challenge and a liberal dose of fun/hilarity built in.
Thank you, Sarah, for helping to change the way our community embraces ski racing.
Freestyle Devo: Ben Whitaker
We are thrilled to recognize Ben Whitaker for his outstanding contributions to youth development with the Freestyle Devo Team.. Ben has provided invaluable guidance and support to our young athletes, helping them grow both on and off the slopes. He demonstrates an unwavering commitment to the development and well-being of every young athlete. His passion for coaching and ability to inspire young minds are truly commendable.
Jordyn Meyer- Intro coach of the year
Jordyn is an exceptional nominee for our Coach of the Year for BSF Alpine/Freestyle Intro. Every weekend, she arrives brimming with enthusiasm, ready to engage and inspire the kids. Her well-planned drills are not only fun but also highly effective in building the children's skills. Once they are ready, Jordyn encourages them to navigate new terrain, fostering both confidence and competence.
Jordan has been with BSF for several years and has consistently proven to be one of the best coaches we’ve ever had. Her good energy and kind soul have made a significant impact on our program and the kids she works with. We are incredibly thankful to have her on our team.
Bailey Servais - Freeride Coach
On behalf of BSF, we are thrilled to recognize Bailey Servais for her outstanding leadership and exceptional big picture thinking in supporting our athletes. This is Bailey's second season leading the FreeRide program and each season she has grown as a mentor and a coach. She leads by example and has a great working relationship with her staff.
Bailey focuses on the holistic development of her athletes, ensuring that physical training is complemented by mental and emotional support. Her personalized coaching ability to anticipate future trends and prepare our athletes for upcoming challenges sets her apart as a forward-thinking leader.
Freeski Coach: Jeremy Emmer
We are thrilled to recognize Jeremy and his contributions to the BSF Freeskiing program this season. This was Jeremy’s first season coaching the comp team but has coached Freestyle Devo in previous years. Jeremy showed great leadership and connected so well with all of our athletes. He really does an incredible job of taking BSF’s core beliefs and values and letting them shine through his coaching on and off the hill.
Marcus Engler did an amazing job this season making skiing happen on a minimum of snow. While most skiers will recognize him as the "face" of grooming at Bridger Creek Golf Course (often getting into character for a Christmas day lap to smooth things out) Marcus is also regularly up for any adventure on the trails when conditions call.
We all enjoy his company, work ethic, sense of humor, and stories from trails (and fishing holes) afar. He's been a wonderful member of the BSF family for many years, in race support, as a volunteer, and as an important part of our trail crew. This year's award is well deserved and long overdue!
Aubrey LeClair - Devo Pro Coach
This was Aubrey's first year coaching with BSF following four years competing for Montana State University. Aubrey brought her experience as an athlete to the program and her athletes benefited from her robust race experience and more importantly, her athlete centered and holistic approach to coaching! Aubrey is continuing on this season as a full-time Comp Team coach for the Nordic program.
Lily Johnston - U16 Head Coach
Lily finished up her 5th season coaching for BSF. In her time, she has coached all levels of the Development team and this year took on the role of Head U16 Coach. Lily brings fun and enthusiasm as well as a passion for athletics and the outdoors to the team. She is thoughtful in her approach to coaching and technique development devoted countless hours to ensuring athletes had fast skis on race day. Lily will continue her coaching progression with BSF as the Head Comp Team Coach this year!
Triana Willmert - Nordic Devo
Tri joined the BSF coaching staff last winter, and brought so much calm positivity with her. She grew up skiing in Minnesota, skied in college for Bowdoin, then moved out to Bozeman to explore the Wild West. Tri is a creative and encouraging coach, who managed to keep practices entertaining and productive. Her athletes were notably supportive of each other, and would chant Tri’s name when they saw her walk up to practice. She is off to grad school this fall, and will be very missed!
