Clubhouse Chronicles: AVSC senior spotlight
Clubhouse Chronicles
AVSC/Courtesy photo
As the 2023-24 winter season comes to an end we want to congratulate and celebrate all of our graduating Aspen Valley Ski & Snowboard Club Seniors! To celebrate their careers and dedication to AVSC, we asked each of them a few questions about their time with the club and what lifelong values they will carry with them from their time with AVSC.
Below are some responses from our graduating Alpine athletes, Sienna Hendrickson (SH) and Chase Kelly (CK).
AVSC: What standout moment or memory at AVSC will you cherish the most as you reflect on your time here?
SH: My favorite memories with club have definitely come from team travel to races and training camps and all the small funny moments that come from it.
CK: While I have had countless memories at AVSC, the moment that I will forever cherish is free skiing around Ajax as a u10 and u12, following Willie and my teammates as we skied as much powder and did as many cliffs as we could.
AVSC: Among AVSC’s core values of Commitment Integrity and Teamwork which one has had the most profound impact on you personally and how?
SH: Commitment has definitely been an important value to me over the past 10 or 11 years that I have been an AVSC athlete. Over this time I have faced many challenges and despite having moments of doubt through all of it I continued to work hard. I think that commitment is strongly present here through coaches and teammates and the environment of AVSC truly encourages athletes to stay committed and push through.
CK: Teamwork has been the core value with the most profound impact on me, because throughout my years at AVSC I have learned that teammates are absolutely essential, especially as a ski racer that travels lots. They are my best friends, who feel like family, and they are my supports when on the road for long periods of time.
AVSC: Reflecting on your journey at AVSC what advice would you offer to younger athletes just starting their journey with the club?
SH: Embrace commitment and consistency in your training while also enjoying the process. Challenges will arise, but see them as opportunities for growth and set personal goals. Stay positive, celebrate your achievements, and always remember the passion that started this journey in the first place. Ultimately, cherish the experiences, friendships, and personal growth that come with being part of AVSC, and let your love for the sport drive you forward.
CK: I would advise young athletes to try out all different types of skiing/snowboarding, and then decide which event they prefer the most.
AVSC: If you could sum up your AVSC experience in one word or phrase what would it be and why?
SH: My time with AVSC was a fantastic learning experience. It wasn’t just about skiing; I gained valuable life lessons and made lifelong friends. I learned a lot about teamwork and got to experience different cultures firsthand. It also taught me about endurance, commitment, and independence, qualities that have stayed with me beyond the slopes.
CK: Influential — because not only has AVSC taught me how to ski race, but I have learned countless life lessons not only from the ski hill, but also from traveling around the world, and meeting tons of incredible people.
AVSC: What is next for you?
SH: Next year I will be attending Boston College studying biology on a pre-med track. Hopefully I will be able to continue ski racing on the team at BC or as a part of a club team.
CK: I am hoping to secure a spot on a college team to continue my skiing career.
