Q: What excites you the most in taking on this role?

A:

This opportunity is obviously a step forward in my career that, looking back and considering where I started, feels definitely like my biggest achievement. I am delighted to join such a tight knit community that loves skiing and is eager to pass along the passion for the sport and the teachings it offers. Moreover, as leader, I’m really looking forward to supporting and working with the coaching team by extending my experience and perspective, but most importantly by providing the tools and resources to deliver the most effective programs for each age group. I do feel the pressure of Tyee’s long-lasting ski racing legacy, but I’m thrilled to take on the challenge of driving it forward and raising the bar even more.

Q: What do you plan on focusing on in this first season? 

A: 

I feel lucky to inherit a healthy program that has been run and led soundly by my predecessor; so, to begin with, I want to focus on getting to know the coaches and their styles really well. I’m confident in the systems in place, but I want to keep optimizing our progression so that when our athletes move up to the next category they’ll be in the best technical shape to keep improving consistently.

Q: What are some of the values that define you that you want to bring to this role? 

A:

The three values that are most important for me are: respect, growth mindset and grit.

I believe respect is critical to promote acceptance and keep an open mind, particularly in such a diverse cultural environment as we have in Vancouver. 

Mindset plays a vital role in any kind of performance, so I believe that fostering a growth mindset, as in “I have yet to learn this or that,” will be key to the club’s achievements. 

Lastly, it’s been proven that grit is a better predictor of success than early results in sports or good grades in school. I believe that developing our athletes’ perseverance will pay huge dividends not only in their athletic career down the road but, of course, in their life as well.

Andrea is coming to North Vancouver from Calgary with his wife and two dogs. We are delighted to have him join the Tyee family. Please join us in wishing him a very warm welcome!