The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Rocky Mountain Division announced two Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club coaches as recipients of the Rocky Mountain Division Coach of the Year in two categories. 

Chad Wolk, the SSWSC FIS/PG Alpine Head Coach, was awarded the RMD Ability Coach of the Year; and Joe Paul, SSWSC’s U14 Alpine Head Coach, was recognized as the RMD Age Class Coach of the Year. 

Award nominations took place earlier this year with coaches from across the RMD participating in the voting process. Official winner announcements were made April 28. 

“In his first season leading the FIS/PG program, Chad made an immediate impact — guiding athletes like Jeremy Nolting and Logan Grosdidier to meet U.S. Ski Team criteria and delivering impressive performances at the World Junior Ski Championships,” said SSWSC Alpine Program Director Tyler Shepherd, in a news release. 

Meanwhile, Paul had a strong season, helping 17 of the U14 team’s 22 athletes qualify for the Rocky Central Championships. 

“His dedication to the sport extends beyond our club, as he actively supports ski racing at both the divisional and national levels,” Shepherd said. “We are fortunate to have such passionate and high-performing coaches representing SSWSC.”

The RMD has hosted athletes from eight states across the Southern Rocky Mountains since the 1970s. Its high-level programming makes it recognized as one of the top programs in the country for snow sports. 

“To be recognized by fellow coaches as the top in the Rocky Mountain Division — one of the most competitive in the nation — is an incredible honor,” said Darlene Nolting, U.S. Ski and Snowboard Rocky/Central Region development director. 

“These awards reflect not only coaching excellence, but also the respect and admiration of peers, which is one of the highest compliments in our sport,” she continued.