One of Colgate University’s many attributes that attracts students is the breathtaking campus views of the Chenango Valley. However, for some, the prime location is about more than just the scenery. For sophomores Kate Goodrich, Kaitlyn Willett and Cole Hosmer, attending Colgate means living just a short drive away from some of New York state’s best ski slopes. As members of the Colgate Alpine Ski Team, they don’t take this convenience to the slopes for granted.
“We compete all around New York state, usually within a two or two-and-a-half-hour vicinity from here,” Goodrich explained. “It’s not too much of a commute, so it’s way more accessible here than at other universities and allows us to race more just for fun.”
For most of the team, skiing has been a lifelong passion instilled by their families. From memories of learning to ski at a young age to their first alpine race, skiing was often a family affair.
“I’ve been ski racing since I was seven. My parents met ski racing in college, so it’s always been part of my being,” Willett said.
“My mom went to a ski academy for high school, so I followed in her footsteps by going to the same school,” Goodrich added.
Due to their love of the sport, cultivated by their families, being able to continue to race in college was an important factor when it came time to pick a university. Notably, most schools don’t have the ability or geography to accommodate such a unique team, which made Colgate stand out.
“The ski team was the reason I came to Colgate. I really wanted the same experience my parents had in college, and I had heard how much fun the Colgate team had,” Willett expressed.
Competing in the Mideast Conference of the U.S. Collegiate Ski & Snowboard Association, they race against some familiar Colgate rivals, like Cornell University, and larger schools like Syracuse University. The Colgate team can hold its own, and both the men’s and women’s teams qualified for nationals last year, traveling to Lake Placid, N.Y., to compete. However, being a part of the team isn’t only about the competition for members.
“There’s a group that’s really competitive, and then there’s also a group that’s not as competitive, but both still like to have a good time. There’s no separation — everyone is included,” Hosmer said.
Because of how much time they spend together, the group is a unique and interconnected social circle that shapes the campus experiences of all involved.
“It feels like a big family. You get a mix of a lot of different personalities that are all connected just through ski racing, which is really cool. You meet people that you wouldn’t meet in your everyday life, especially because it connects you to so many grade levels,” Goodrich said. “It’s definitely a really special community on campus that I wish more people got to experience, but that isolation also is what makes it so special.”
“The best part about skiing is how close everybody is on the team, and how we’re all good friends, and both the men’s and women’s teams are pretty close,” Hosmer added.
The team’s close-knit environment can be attributed to Todd Enders and Jim Longo, who have coached the team for over 30 years. Their consistent leadership acts as a grounding and motivating presence for their athletes, who are quick to recognize their value as mentors.
“They have fostered such an inclusive, fun and driven atmosphere among everyone to the team year after year,” Goodrich commented. “They always are positive and supportive of each athlete. It is a true labor of love to be a ski coach, and everyone on the team is incredibly grateful to both of them.”
Beyond the camaraderie and competition, being part of the ski team also helps members stay active throughout the winter months, keeping them engaged in a sport they love while embracing Colgate’s brutal winters.
“It gets me outside every Tuesday and Thursday for practice, and then racing on Saturday and Sunday, so it’s a lot of fitness,” Willett said.
“For practices, we are out there for a solid five hours, which is amazing. We get to be outside in the fresh air. So I spend a lot of time outside in the winter” Goodrich added.
For some, this activity and time outside was a motivator to continue to pursue ski racing after high school.
“I wanted to do something active, and I did it in high school, so it just felt natural to do it here,” Hosmer said.
For Goodrich, Willett, Hosmer and the rest of the Colgate Alpine Ski Team, skiing is more than just a club: It has been pivotal in shaping their Colgate experiences. Whether racing against rival schools or enjoying the slopes for fun, these students have found a unique and fulfilling experience on campus.
