SMST2, a globally elite cross-country ski club, announced today that Colin Rodgers will join the team as Program Director and Head Coach. SMST2 board chair Sverre Caldwell said, “Colin’s experience and proven success as a leader will be tremendous assets for both the athletes individually and the team as a whole. Most importantly, he understands how quickly both the world and our sport are changing. He brings the vision, energy, and focus necessary to evolve the program successfully.” Rodgers will begin his transition into the role immediately.
For the past 9 years, Colin served as the Nordic Program Director at Green Mountain Valley School in Waitsfield, VT. There, he evolved the cross country ski program into one of the strongest junior programs in the United States, culminating in his being recognized in 2023 with both the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Coach of the Year and 2023 Cross Country International Coach of the Year Awards. During his tenure, Colin’s athletes competed successfully at the highest levels, including World Junior Championships, US National Championships, NCAAs, and US Junior Championships.
Prior to GMVS, he lived in Ketchum, Idaho, where he coached the Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation’s Cross Country Gold Team, an elite group of post-collegiate athletes aspiring to international success. Many of his team competed on the World Cup and at the World Championships. Before assuming the coaching role, Colin himself had been a member of the program, competing internationally for seven years. A 2004 Middlebury College graduate and ski team captain, Colin is a born and raised Vermonter who has spent his life on skis.
From Colin Rodgers
“I’m both honored and excited to join the SMST2 Team,” said Rodgers. “My primary role will be first to listen to and learn about who each athlete is and what each athlete feels they need to reach their full potential. Then, I will direct my efforts to best support them in their respective journeys. At the same time, while skiing excellence is often perceived as an individual pursuit, my role is to create an empowered, proactive and supportive team culture which can greatly increase the odds of success for all.”
From Jessie Diggins
SMST2 Team member and reigning Overall World Cup Champion Jessie Diggins said, “I am thrilled to welcome Colin to the SMST2 team as our program director and head coach! I look forward both to working with and learning from him as we take the Team to the next level in this upcoming Olympic year.”
About SMST2
Founded in 2013 and located in Stratton Mountain, VT, the SMST2 Team is among the most successful community-based cross-country ski clubs in the world. With a mission of international success built on local inspiration, the team’s desired long-term impact is to grow the sport by promoting healthy lifestyles and communities.
SMST2 athletes are Olympic gold medalists and World Champions, Overall World Cup and Discipline Crystal Globe winners, World Junior Champions, National Champions, NCAA Champions, and US Junior Champions. International highlights include:
- 3 Overall World Cup & 3 Distance Crystal Globes
- 12 Olympic and World Championship medals
- 56 Olympic and World Championship top 10 finishes
- 100+ regular-season World Cup podium finishes
SMST2 enjoys a long-standing relationship with the Stratton Mountain School, an independent college preparatory and competitive winter sports school which, since its founding in 1972, has had more than 100 alumni named to US Ski Teams and more than 46 named to Olympic teams.
Press Release
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