U.S. Ski and Snowboard has announced the members of the 2023-24 National team, now officially known as the Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team. With a few notable retirements this spring a couple of shakeups were going to occur. The team uses a selection criteria which it has developed to try and balance proven performers with budding talent. It is a somewhat complex set of guidelines.
Women’s Squad
The women’s A Team members come as no surprise. Veterans Jessie Diggins, and Rosie Brennan will be joined by Julia Kern. Last season Kern solidified her placement on the A squad with consistent sprint results all winter.
The women’s B team will consist of Sophia Laukli, Novie McCabe, and Sydney Palmer-Leger, who will move up from the development team.
The women’s development team will see the return of multi-sport star Sammy Smith, who will be joined by Ava Thurston, and Haley Brewster
Men’s Squad
The men’s A team will consist of Ben Ogden, last years winner of the green bib for the best under 23 year older skier, who will be joined by JC Schoonmaker.
The men’s B Team will be comprised of Gus Schumacher, Luke Jager, Scott Patterson, Zak Ketterson, Zanden McMullen, and John Hagenbuch.
JC Schoonmaker (USA) in the Planica, Slovenia individual sprint. (Photo: NordicFocus)
The men’s development team will be comprised of Walker Hall, Will Koch, and Michael Earnhart. They will be joined by new development team athletes Brian Bushey, Max Kluck, and Derek Richardson.
