Amidst the crisp breeze, snow-topped trees, and majestic mountainous views, Lily Frazzini and Will Hedden await their drop into a feeling of pure bliss. As preschoolers, the two athletes first encountered life on skis which soon grew into a deep passion for the sport. Further into their ski career, their experiences competing helped them gain independence, confidence, and embrace growth on and off the slopes.
Growing up, Hedden was mesmerized as he began watching his mom skiing in Spain. The early exposure to the sport immediately sparked his passion, which has only continued to grow. Hedden is now a member of the Crystal Mountain Freeride Team. Hedden emphasized his love for the freedom within freeride skiing by choosing his own direction.
Hedden described how he grew bored of leisurely skiing with friends and was drawn to compete. He added, “I wanted to push myself and see my progression result to something.” Hedden has now achieved a top-five award on his home mountain and continues to aspire to make it to the national competition this April.
“My first competition, I was so nervous I fell four times because I had no belief that I could do it,” Hedden admitted. He highlighted his experience overcoming nerves and self-doubt before competing. Hedden shared the importance of his physical training along with visualizing his success to compartmentalize fear and re-establish a sense of confidence.
Hedden learned how to conquer obstacles and now feels at ease during dangerous high-pressure situations on the mountain. Skiing has helped Hedden express himself and shaped him into a calm person on and off the mountain. “Whenever I am in a nervous situation, I remember what it feels like to drop in for a competition,” He added.
Lily Frazzini started ski racing competitively at seven years old. As a member of the Crystal Mountain Alpine Club, she began developing a strong sense of independence and community as she began skiing with friends.
“During training sessions, the coaches would say, ‘Meet here, and if you’re late, do ten pushups, but other than that, go have fun and ski by yourself,’ she explained. The coaches held skiers accountable through a direct yet easygoing coaching style. This coaching method helped her rely on herself instead of her parents.
Most of all, Frazzini loved the adrenaline of competing. Frazzini described the feeling as she would approach the starting gate, saying, “You get really nervous… then your mind clears, and you get in that zone, relying on what you’ve worked on.”
Hedden and Frazzini’s passion for skiing transformed into valuable life lessons. Skiing competitively has tested their limits physically and mentally as they learned how to overcome challenges. Both athletes’ experiences are a testament to how sports inspire growth, resiliency, and independence.
