TRUCKEE, Calif. — Tahoe Expedition Academy’s winter athletics season recently concluded with the CNISSF Ski Championships at Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Resort, which ran from March 2 to 6. This culminating event showcased over 300 qualifying skiers and snowboarders from six divisions across California and Nevada, 6 of which were from TEA’s team of 9 student-athletes. Qualifying for States from TEA were student-athletes Mckenna Buckley (11th grade), Hazel Jean Personius (10th grade), Caylin Garnett (9th grade), Barett Mason (11th grade), Hudson Feldstein (9th grade), and Finn Lichtig-Groom (9th grade).

Overall Hazel finished 10th in States and Caylin impressed by finishing in the top 20 with combined 17th. Hazel, Finn, and Mckenna were invited to Regionals in Grand Targhee, Wyoming for their strong collective showings throughout the season.

The regular season consisted of (4) GS and (4) SL races at local participation venues like Northstar, Sugar Bowl, Boreal, and Alpine. Conditions varied all season from cold, firm, and fast runs to softer spring-like, rutted courses — challenging competitors, ski tuners, and coaches alike. After a dedicated and expertly skied regular season, Mckenna finished 2nd overall in giant slalom and slalom disciplines, while Barett finished 5th overall. And TEA’s girls team took home 3rd in team competition.

The team of nine dedicated skiers improved dramatically. In fact, six were invited to CNISSF Championships to represent themselves and their school. In the lead up to States, Mckenna, the team ski captain, unfortunately injured her knee on the race course and was seriously compromised heading to competitions at Sierra-at-Tahoe. Nevertheless she joined her teammates for Giant Slalom competition on Monday, placing 13th, admirable considering the damage she endured prior. Hazel Jean shined on race day, finishing 10th in GS while Caylin finished 31st, leaping 52 spots past her starting position. On the boys’ side Barett did not finish exiting after a bad crash, and Finn finished 23rd on the day.

The following Tuesday served as a training and recovery day, then Wednesday arrived with low visibility, snowy, flat light conditions for the Slalom. After a long, cold day on the hill in marginal race conditions Hazel finished 11th, and Caylin again impressed by improving her position from 48th to 17th place. Meanwhile on the boys’ side Finn DNF and Barett was unable to compete.

Head Coach Robert Buckley and Assistant Coaches Jon Jacobson and Taylor Simmers coached all season long, and implemented a fantastic training schedule that upleveled performance and meaningful training opportunities for student-skiers. Ski training started in early December, with Wednesday night gate training at Auburn Ski Club + Boreal as well as Saturday training at Sugar Bowl. Race days were held on Mondays at Palisades, Northstar, and other local resorts. Because of their expertise, and ability to connect with students and parents alike, the TEAm grew from 3 racers in 2024 to 9 racers in 2025!

The future looks promising for this team, with eight of nine skiers returning next season and plans to recruit new talent, aiming to finish stronger in the CNISSF next year— and qualify for regionals against the best school competition West of the Mississippi.