Bend Endurance Academy Hires Nelson as New Head Coach

(Bend,Ore) — Bend Endurance Academy (BEA) is pleased to announce Bernadette Nelson as the new Head Nordic Coach.  Nelson joins BEA after a two-year coaching stint at Bridger Ski Foundation (BSF) where she was the Post Graduate and Elite Team Nordic Coach. Prior to her time at BSF Nelson was the Assistant Nordic Coach for Montana State University for three years.

“We’re really excited to be bringing Bernie on as Head Nordic Coach,” states Nordic Program Director Ben Husaby.

“She has a ton of experience coaching athletes.  She has shown herself to be energetic, knowledgeable and approachable,” Husaby elaborated.

Bend Endurance Academy is a Bend based non-profit offering programs in cycling, rock climbing and Nordic skiing.  Most of the program participants are in grade school to high school with a small handful of collegiate skiers.

“I’m looking forward to working more in the junior development areas of coaching. Working with juniors allows the opportunity to lead the athletes to be better skiers as well as better people,” Nelson stated about her transition to the junior development side of coaching.

Nelson will be replacing Jordan Buetow who has been BEA’s Head Nordic Coach for the past two seasons.  Buetow will be moving back to his native Alaska to pursue a graduate degree.   Bernadette will be taking the reigns of the Nordic program starting this June with Bend Endurance Academy’s summer competition and collegiate training program.

“I’m looking forward to collaborating with Ben this summer to build on the success and momentum of BEA’s summer training program,” she said.

Last summer BEA saw close to 30 collegiate Nordic skiers make the move to Bend for a summer of Nordic specific training.

“I think having someone like Bernadette, with her experience with collegiate and elite skiers, is going to be a great addition to the summer program,” says Husaby.

About Bend Endurance Academy

The Bend Endurance Academy is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. The Academy organizes and operates programs that promote health and wellness within Oregon. The Academy provides athletic coaching, mentorship, educational experiences, volunteer opportunities and events for a diverse group of youth, young adults, and other individuals who desire to excel at endurance sports. Our programs are innovative, affordable and inclusive. We work to encourage participants to succeed throughout every step of their athletic and individual development.

The Academy’s mission is to “promote healthy living through active, outdoor experiences. We emphasize teamwork, personal growth and community responsibility.” 

Bend Endurance Academy currently offer programs for Nordic Skiing, Cycling, and Rock Climbing.