Featured Image: The new Head Alpine Coach for Gould Academy, Parker Gray. Credit: Gould Academy
Press Release provided by Gould Academy
We are thrilled to welcome back Gould alum Parker Gray ’97. He will take on the role of Alpine Head Coach, leading our Alpine staff and coaching the U18 boys. He returns to Gould after his most recent experience with the US Ski Team. Gray worked with the World Cup Tech Team, coaching worldwide and working closely with some of the most successful athletes at the sport’s highest level. Gray was also instrumental in implementing strength and conditioning programs for the US Ski Team’s high-performance department and will bring this wealth of knowledge and expertise to Gould.
In 2008, Gray was named Vermont Alpine Racing Association coach of the year, and he has extensive experience working with youth and high school-age athletes. A 1997 graduate of Gould, Gray is a member of the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame, a certified USSA Alpine Level 300 coach, a two-time Junior Olympic Downhill Champion, and an Overall Junior Olympic champion in Downhill and Super G. Welcome back, Coach Parker Gray! We look forward to seeing you on campus and on snow at Sunday River!
Gray expressed his enthusiasm for rejoining Gould, citing personal and professional reasons for his decision. “One of the most compelling reasons for my return to Gould was the opportunity to be with my family,” Gray stated. “The constant travel with the US team was challenging, and being back home is a welcome change.”
He also highlighted the presence of Mark Godomsky, now the Dean of Athletics and Co-Curricular Programs, as a significant factor in his return. “He’s a big factor,” Gray noted. “Having him in place was very attractive. I know I can work well with him, and he is familiar.”
In discussing his passion for working with junior athletes, Gray emphasized the rapid progress and enthusiasm among younger skiers. “I love working with kids and contributing to their improvements,” Gray said. “At the junior level, it happens faster than at the World Cup level. Their needs are usually obvious, and they are excited to work together to improve.”
Gray also praised the recent additions to Gould’s Alpine program and Sunday River weekend program, including the new training T-Bar. “The new T bar for Gould and the Sunday River Weekend program is an absolute game changer,” Gray remarked. “Having that dedicated venue, it’s amazing. You easily do hot laps, too many if you want, and that is a good problem to have.”
Reflecting on his excitement for the professional challenges ahead, Gray affirmed his belief in Gould Academy’s vision for its snow sports programs. “Although Gould is familiar to me, I am undoubtedly excited about the professional challenges it offers,” Gray concluded. “It’s clear to me that there’s a significant drive to bolster the Alpine program and snow sports. I want to be a part of it.”
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