Visit FasterSkier.com →

From the FasterSkier archive — posts syndicated from athletes’ and coaches’ own blogs between 2004 and 2012, kept online as published. Current coverage is at fasterskier.com.

Author: Chris Grover

USSS Announces XC Team for Period 1 of the 2026-27 World Cup Season

Dear Cross Country Community,

We are pleased to announce the XC Team for Period 1 of the 2026-27 World Cup season:

Ruka, FIN 10 km C & Trondheim, NOR 10 km C

Men

Zach Jayne                                Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          12^th Distance World Cup 25-26

Zak Ketterson                           Objective          36^th Distance World Cup 25-26

Ben Ogden                                Discretion         11^th Lake Placid World Cup 10 km C

Zanden McMullen                     Discretion         18^th Oberhof World Cup 10 km C

Hunter Wonders                       Discretion         24^th Oberhof World Cup 10 km C

Luke Jager                                Discretion         29^th Oberhof World Cup 10 km C

John Hagenbuch                       Alternate          32^nd Lake Placid World Cup 10 km C

JC Schoonmaker                        Alternate          Historic Dist. Results (23^rd Falun 10 km C 24-25)

Women

Emma Albrecht                         Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Rosie Brennan                          Discretion         12^th Lahti World Cup 10 km C

Julia Kern                                  Discretion         16^th Goms World Cup 20 km C

Hailey Swirbul                           Discretion         19^th OWG 50 km C

Sophia Laukli                            Discretion         Historic Dist. Results (16^th Les Rousses 20 km C 24-25)

Novie McCabe                          Discretion         22^nd Goms World Cup 20 km C

Kendall Kramer                         Discretion         27^th Goms World Cup 20 km C

Ava Thurston                            Alternate          33^rd Lake Placid World Cup 10 km C

Sammy Smith                            Alternate          33^rd Oberhof World Cup 10 km C

Alayna Sonnesyn (USA) lunges for the line at the end of the 10k Classic in Ruka (FIN). (Photo: Modica/NordicFocus)

Ruka, FIN Sprint C

Men

Zach Jayne                                Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Ben Ogden                                Objective          7^th Sprint World Cup 25-26

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          16^th Sprint World Cup 25-26

Jack Young                                Objective          19^th Sprint World Cup 25-26

JC Schoonmaker                        Objective          27^th Sprint World Cup 25-26

Zak Ketterson                           Discretion         18^th Val di Fiemme Sprint C

Zanden McMullen                     Discretion         Historic Sprint Results (22^nd VdF Sprint C 24-25)

Murphy Kimball                        Alternate          Historic Sprint Results (28^th Falun Sprint C 24-25)

Women

Emma Albrecht                         Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Julia Kern                                  Objective          29^th Sprint World Cup 25-26

Rosie Brennan                          Discretion         15^th Ruka World Cup Sprint C

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         19^th OWG Sprint C

Lauren Jortberg                        Discretion         30^th OWG Sprint C

Hailey Swirbul                           Discretion         22^nd Oberhof Sprint F

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         27^th Davos Sprint F

Ava Thurston                            Alternate          9^th Lillehammer U23 Champs Sprint F

Ruka, FIN 20 km F & Davos, SUI 5 km F Heat Mass Start

Men

Zach Jayne                                Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          12^th Distance World Cup 25-26

Zak Ketterson                           Objective          36^th Distance World Cup 25-26

John Hagenbuch                       Discretion         14^th OWG 10 km F

Ben Ogden                                Discretion         20^th Toblach 5 km F Heats Mass Start

JC Schoonmaker                        Discretion         29^th Toblach 5 km F Heats Mass Start

Zanden McMullen                     Discretion         Historic Dist. Results (7^th Ruka 20 km F 24-25)

Corbin Carpenter                      Alternate          10^th Lillehammer U23 Champs 20 km F

Kevin Bolger                             Alternate          33^rd Trondheim World Cup 10 km F

Women

Emma Albrecht                         Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Julia Kern                                  Discretion         10^th Toblach 5 km F Heats Mass Start

Sophia Laukli                            Discretion         Historic Dist. Results (8^th Les Rousses 10 km F 24-25)

Luci Anderson                           Discretion         25^th Davos 10 km F

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         27^th Ruka 20 km F

Kendall Kramer                         Discretion         28^th Lake Placid 20 km F

Novie McCabe                          Discretion         31^st OWG 10 km F

Hailey Swirbul                           Alternate          31^st Lake Placid 20 km F

Ava Thurston                            Alternate          32^nd Lake Placid 20 km F

Kendall Kramer (USA) racing the 10 k Freestyle this past weekend in Trondheim (NOR). (Photo: Modica/NordicFocus)

Trondheim, NOR 20 km Skiathlon

Men

Zach Jayne                                Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          12^th Distance World Cup 25-26

Zak Ketterson                           Objective          36^th Distance World Cup 25-26

Zanden McMullen                     Discretion         Historic Skiath. Results (17^th VdF Skiathlon 24-25)

Ben Ogden                                Discretion         Historic Skiath. Results (21^st VdF Skiathlon 24-25)

John Hagenbuch                       Discretion         14^th OWG 10 km F

Hunter Wonders                       Discretion         24^th Oberhof 10 km C

Women

Emma Albrecht                         Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Kendall Kramer                         Discretion         9^th Falun World Cup Skiathlon

Julia Kern                                  Discretion         24^th OWG Skiathlon

Novie McCabe                          Discretion         26^th OWG Skiathlon

Rosie Brennan                          Discretion         29^th Trondheim World Cup Skiathlon

Sophia Laukli                            Discretion         Historic Skiathlon Results (11^th Lillehammer 24-25)

Hailey Swirbul                           Discretion         24^th Goms World Cup 20 km C

Trondheim Sprint F & Davos, SUI Sprint F

Men

Zach Jayne                                Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Ben Ogden                                Objective          7^th Sprint World Cup 25-26

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          16^th Sprint World Cup 25-26

Jack Young                                Objective          19^th Sprint World Cup 25-26

JC Schoonmaker                        Objective          27^th Sprint World Cup 25-26

Zanden McMullen                     Discretion         15^th Lake Placid World Cup Sprint F

Kevin Bolger                             Discretion         15^th Toblach World Cup Sprint F

Murphy Kimball                        Alternate          6^th Lillehammer WJC Sprint F 2026

Women

Emma Albrecht                         Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Julia Kern                                  Objective          29^th Sprint World Cup 25-26

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         12^th Oberhof World Cup Sprint F

Hailey Swirbul                           Discretion         22^nd Oberhof World Cup Sprint F

Lauren Jortberg                        Discretion         28^th Oberhof World Cup Sprint F

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         27^th Davos World Cup Sprint F

Rosie Brennan                          Discretion         29^th Lahti World Cup Sprint F

Ava Thurston                            Alternate          9^th Lillehammer U23 Champs Sprint F

The above discretionary selections were nominated by a 15-person working group that included:

James Southam                         Athlete Rep.

Ida Sargent                               Athlete Rep.

Perry Thomas                           Mansfield Pro Nordic Team

Andy Newell                             Bridger Ski Foundation

Eliška Albrigtsen                        Denver University

Erik Flora                                  Alaska Pacific University

Randy Gibbs                             Team Birkie

Peter Holmes                            SVSEF Gold Team

Annika Martell                         Craftsbury GRP

Colin Rodgers                            SMS T2

Sophie Caldwell Hamilton          Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Clu

Kristen Bourne                          U.S. Ski Team

Jason Cork                                U.S. Ski Team

Matt Whitcomb                        U.S. Ski Team

Chris Grover                             U.S. Ski Team

The nominations were then approved by a discretionary selection review group comprised of:

Tyler Kornfield                          U.S. Ski & Snowboard Athlete Rep

Anouk Patty                              U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief of Sport

Bryan Fish                                 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Development Director

All related documents to this process, including the World Cup Selection Criterion, the Working Group Guidelines, the Working Group Members, and the World Cup Discretionary Selection Dates, can always be found here: https://www.usskiandsnowboard.org/sport-programs/criteria/cross-country-world-cup-criteria

The above discretionary selection process will be repeated for each period of World Cup this coming season. As always, if you have questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact me directly.

Sincerely,

Chris Grover

Cross Country Program Director, U.S. Ski Team

chris.grover@usskiandsnowboard.org

August 1, 2026
The U.S. Cross Country Ski Team Seeks Cross-Country Development Coach.

Dear XC Community,

The U.S. Cross Country Ski Team is hiring a Cross-Country Development Coach. You can find more information and an opportunity to apply for this position here:

Cross-Country Development Coach

The deadline for submitting CVs and cover letters is Thursday, April 30. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you. Sincerely,

Chris Grover
Cross Country Program Director
U.S. Ski & Snowboard
chris.grover@usskiandsnowboard.org
+1 435 640 8545

April 14, 2026
U.S. Cross Country Ski Team Seeks World Cup Coach and World Cup Technicians

Dear XC Community,

The U.S. Cross Country Ski Team currently has three positions to fill. We are hiring an additional World Cup Coach, and we need to hire at least two World Cup Technicians to replace our departing colleagues, Per-Erik Bjørnstad and Chris Hecker. You can find more information and opportunities to apply for these positions here:

Cross Country World Cup Coach

XC World Cup Wax/Ski Technician

The deadline for submitting CVs and Cover Letters is Wednesday, April 15. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you. Sincerely,

Chris Grover

Cross Country Program Director

U.S. Ski & Snowboard

chris.grover@usskiandsnowboard.org

+1 435 640 8545

March 31, 2026
US Ski Team Announces World Cup Period 4 Starters

Dear Cross Country Community,

We are pleased to announce the Team for Period 4 (Falun, Lahti, Drammen, & Oslo) of the 2025-26 World Cup season:

Falun Sprint F & Lahti Sprint F

Men

Zach Jayne                                Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Ben Ogden                                Objective          5^th 25-26 Sprint World Cup

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          21^st 25-26 Sprint World Cup

Jack Young                                Objective          26^th 25-26 Sprint World Cup

JC Schoonmaker                        Objective          28^th 25-26 Sprint World Cup

Kevin Bolger                             Discretion         15^th Toblach Sprint F

Zanden McMullen                     Discretion         20^th Oberhof Sprint F

Zak Ketterson                           Alternate          18^th Val di Fiemme TDS Sprint C

Michael Earnhart                      Alternate          35^th Oberhof Sprint F

Women

Hailey Swirbul                           Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          25-26 Overall World Cup Leader

Julia Kern                                  Objective          22^nd 25-26 Sprint World Cup

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         12^th Oberhof Sprint F

Lauren Jortberg                        Discretion         26^th Oberhof Sprint F

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         27^th Davos Sprint F

Rosie Brennan                          Discretion         15^th Ruka Sprint C

Ava Thurston                            Discretion         4^th US Nationals Sprint F Qualification

Emma Albrecht                         Alternate          5^th US Nationals Sprint F Qualification

Gus Schumacher (USA) charges up one of the hills on the sprint course at the base of the Mördarbacken during the 20 k Freestyle Mass Start in Falun, Sweden last season. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Falun 20 km Skiathlon

Men

Zach Jayne                                Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          18^th Distance World Cup

Zak Ketterson                           Objective          26^th Distance World Cup

John Hagenbuch                       Discretion         14^th OWG 10 km F

Zanden McMullen                     Discretion         18^th Oberhof 10 km C

Ben Ogden                                Discretion         20^th Toblach 5 km F

Hunter Wonders                       Discretion         24^th Oberhof 10 km C

Luke Jager                                Alternate          29^th Oberhof 10 km C

JC Schoonmaker                        Alternate          29^th Toblach 5 km F

Women

Hailey Swirbul                           Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          25-26 Overall World Cup Leader

Julia Kern                                  Discretion         10^th Toblach 5 km F

Novie McCabe                          Discretion         22^nd Goms 20 km C

Rosie Brennan                          Discretion         24^th Ruka 10 km C

Luci Anderson                           Discretion         25^th Davos 10 km F

Kendall Kramer                         Discretion         27^th Goms 20 km C

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         27^th Ruka 20 km F

Jessie Diggins on her way to winning both the FIS Overall and Distance Crystal Globes in Lahti, Finland last season. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Lahti 10 C

Men

Zach Jayne                                Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          18^th Distance World Cup

Zak Ketterson                           Objective          26^th Distance World Cup

Zanden McMullen                     Discretion         18^th Oberhof 10 km C

Hunter Wonders                       Discretion         24^th Oberhof 10 km C

Luke Jager                                Discretion         29^th Oberhof 10 km C

Ben Ogden                                Discretion         29^th Toblach 20 km C

John Hagenbuch                       Alternate          14^th OWG 10 km F

JC Schoonmaker                        Alternate          29^th Toblach 5 km F

Reid Goble                                Alternate          1^st Wirth SuperTour 10 km C

Women

Hailey Swirbul                           Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          25-26 Overall World Cup Leader

Julia Kern                                  Discretion         16^th Goms 20 km C

Novie McCabe                          Discretion         22^nd Goms 20 km C

Rosie Brennan                          Discretion         24^th Ruka 10 km C

Kendall Kramer                         Discretion         27^th Goms 20 km C

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         3^rd US Nationals 10 km C

Ava Thurston                            Discretion         4^th US Nationals 10 km C

Emma Albrecht                         Alternate          1^st Wirth SuperTour 10 km C

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Alternate          2^nd Wirth SuperTour 10 km C

Lauren Jortberg                        Alternate          2^nd Anchorge SuperTour 10 km C

Samantha Smith (USA) racing the individual World Cup sprint in Drammen (NOR) in 2024. (Photo: Modica/NordicFocus)

Drammen Sprint C

Men

Zach Jayne                                Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Ben Ogden                                Objective          5^th 25-26 Sprint World Cup

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          21^st 25-26 Sprint World Cup

Jack Young                                Objective          26^th 25-26 Sprint World Cup

JC Schoonmaker                        Objective          28^th 25-26 Sprint World Cup

Zak Ketterson                           Discretion         18^th Val di Fiemme TDS Sprint C

John Schwinghamer                  Discretion         1^st US Nationals Sprint C Qualification

Kevin Bolger                             Alternate          15^th Toblach Sprint F

Zanden McMullen                     Alternate          20^th Oberhof Sprint F

Women

Hailey Swirbul                           Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          25-26 Overall World Cup Leader

Julia Kern                                  Objective          22^nd 25-26 Sprint World Cup

Rosie Brennan                          Discretion         15^th Ruka Sprint C

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         19^th OWG Sprint C

Lauren Jortberg                        Discretion         30^th OWG Sprint C

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         27^th Davos Sprint F

Ava Thurston                            Discretion         3^rd US Nationals Sprint C Qualification

Erin Bianco                               Alternate          4^th US Nationals Sprint C Qualification

Jessie Diggins (USA) on her way to a podium finish during the first women’s 50k version of the famed Holmenkollen in Oslo (NOR) in 2023. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Holmenkollen 50 km F Mass

Men

Zach Jayne                                Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          18^th Distance World Cup

Zak Ketterson                           Objective          26^th Distance World Cup

John Hagenbuch                       Discretion         14^th OWG 10 km F

Ben Ogden                                Discretion         20^th Toblach 5 km F

JC Schoonmaker                        Discretion         29^th Toblach 5 km F

Zanden McMullen                     Discretion         18^th Oberhof 10 km C

Brian Bushey                             Alternate          4^th US Nationals 20 km F

Hunter Wonders                       Alternate          24^th Oberhof 10 km C

Women

Hailey Swirbul                           Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          25-26 Overall World Cup Leader

Julia Kern                                  Discretion         10^th Toblach 5 km F

Luci Anderson                           Discretion         25^th Davos 10 km F

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         27^th Ruka 20 km F

Novie McCabe                          Discretion         22^nd Goms 20 km C

Rosie Brennan                          Discretion         24^th Ruka 10 km C

Kendall Kramer                         Discretion         27^th Goms 20 km C

The above discretionary selections were nominated by a 15-person working group that included:

James Southam                         Athlete Rep

Ida Sargent                               Athlete Rep

Perry Thomas                           Mansfield Pro Nordic Team

Chad Salmela                            Team Birkie

Andy Newell                             Bridger Ski Foundation

Erik Flora                                  Alaska Pacific University

Pepa Miloucheva                      Craftsbury GRP

Colin Rodgers                            SMS T2

Peter Holmes                            SVSEF Gold Team

Sophie Caldwell                        Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club

Eliška Albrigtsen                        Denver University

Chris Grover                             USST

Matt Whitcomb                        USST

Jason Cork                                USST

Kristen Bourne                          USST

The nominations were then approved by a discretionary selection review group comprised of:

Tyler Kornfield                          U.S. Ski & Snowboard Athlete Rep

Anouk Patty                              U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief of Sport

Bryan Fish                                 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Development Director

The above discretionary selection process will be repeated for each period of World Cup this coming season. As always, if you have questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact me directly.

Sincerely,

Chris Grover

Cross Country Program Director, U.S. Ski Team

chris.grover@usskiandsnowboard.org

February 24, 2026
US Ski Team Announces Period 3 Starts

Dear Cross Country Community,

We are pleased to announce the Team for Period 3 of the 2025-26 World Cup season:

Oberhof Sprint F

Men

Zach Jayne                                Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Ben Ogden                                Objective          4^th 25-26 Sprint World Cup

Jack Young                                Objective          21^st 25-26 Sprint World Cup

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          27^th 25-26 Sprint World Cup

JC Schoonmaker                        Objective          36^th 25-26 Sprint World Cup

Kevin Bolger                             Objective          40^th 25-26 Sprint World Cup

Zak Ketterson                           Discretion         18^th Val di Fiemme Sprint C, 36^th Toblach Sprint F

Zanden McMullen                     Alternate          1^st US Nationals Sprint F qualifier

Owen Young                             Alternate          2^nd US Nationals Sprint F qualifier

Michael Earnhart                      Alternate          3^rd US Nationals Sprint F qualifier

Women

Hailey Swirbul                           Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          25-26 Overall World Cup Leader

Julia Kern                                  Objective          20^th 25-26 Sprint World Cup

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         27^th Davos Sprint F

Rosie Brennan                          Discretion         15^th Ruka Sprint C, 32^nd Davos Sprint F

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         1^st US Nationals Sprint F qualifier

Lauren Jortberg                        Discretion         3^rd US Nationals Sprint F qualifier

Ava Thurston                            Discretion         4^th US Nationals Sprint F qualifier

Emma Albrecht                         Alternate          5^th US Nationals Sprint F qualifier

J.C. Schoonmaker (USA) racing in Oberhof (GER) in 2024. (Photo: Modica/NordicFocus)

Oberhof 10 km C & Goms 20 km C Mass Start

Men

Zach Jayne                                Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          15^th 25-26 Distance World Cup

Zak Ketterson                           Objective          29^th 25-26 Distance World Cup

Ben Ogden                                Discretion         29^th Toblach 20 km C Pursuit

Hunter Wonders                       Discretion         1^st US Nationals 10 km C

Luke Jager                                Discretion         2^nd US Nationals 10 km C

John Hagenbuch                       Discretion         4^th US Nationals 10 km C

Zanden McMullen                     Alternate          5^th US Nationals 10 km C

JC Schoonmaker                        Alternate          Historic WC Distance C Results

Women

Hailey Swirbul                           Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          25-26 Overall World Cup Leader

Julia Kern                                  Objective          30^th 25-26 Distance World Cup

Rosie Brennan                          Discretion         24^th Ruka 10 km C

Novie McCabe                          Discretion         2^nd US Nationals 10 km C

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         3^rd US Nationals 10 km C

Ava Thurston                            Discretion         4^th US Nationals 10 km C

Kendall Kramer                         Discretion         5^th US Nationals 10 km C

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Alternate          27^th Ruka 20 km Mass Start

Samantha Smith (USA) racing the World Cup individual sprint in Goms (SUI) in 2024. (Photo: Modica/NordicFocus)

Goms Sprint C

Men

Zach Jayne                                Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Ben Ogden                                Objective          4^th 25-26 Sprint World Cup

Jack Young                                Objective          21^st 25-26 Sprint World Cup

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          27^th 25-26 Sprint World Cup

JC Schoonmaker                        Objective          36^th 25-26 Sprint World Cup

Kevin Bolger                             Objective          40^th 25-26 Sprint World Cup

Zak Ketterson                           Discretion         18^th Val di Fiemme Sprint C, 36^th Toblach Sprint F

John Schwinghamer                  Alternate          1^st US Nationals Sprint C qualifier

Will Koch                                  Alternate          2^nd US Nationals Sprint C qualifier

Owen Young                             Alternate          3^rd US Nationals Sprint C qualifier

Women

Hailey Swirbul                           Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          25-26 Overall World Cup Leader

Julia Kern                                  Objective          20^th 25-26 Sprint World Cup

Rosie Brennan                          Discretion         15^th Ruka Sprint C

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         1^st US Nationals Sprint C qualifier

Ava Thurston                            Discretion         3^rd US Nationals Sprint C qualifier

Erin Bianco                               Discretion         4^th US Nationals Sprint C qualifier

Lauren Jortberg                        Discretion         5^th US Nationals Sprint C qualifier

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Alternate          27^th Davos Sprint F

Jessie Diggins (USA) and Frida Karlsson (SWE), (l-r) coming to the line in Goms (SUI) in 2024. (Photo: Modica/NordicFocus)

The above discretionary selections were nominated by a 15-person working group that included:

James Southam                         Athlete Rep

Ida Sargent                               Athlete Rep

Perry Thomas                           Mansfield Pro Nordic Team

Chad Salmela                            Team Birkie

Andy Newell                             Bridger Ski Foundation

Erik Flora                                  Alaska Pacific University

Pepa Miloucheva                      Craftsbury GRP

Colin Rodgers                            SMS T2

Peter Holmes                            SVSEF Gold Team

Sophie Caldwell                        Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club

Eliška Albrigtsen                        Denver University

Chris Grover                             USST

Matt Whitcomb                        USST

Jason Cork                                USST

Kristen Bourne                          USST

The nominations were then approved by a discretionary selection review group comprised of:

Tyler Kornfield                          U.S. Ski & Snowboard Athlete Rep

Anouk Patty                              U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief of Sport

Bryan Fish                                 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Development Director

The above discretionary selection process will be repeated for each period of World Cup this coming season. As always, if you have questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact me directly.

Sincerely,

Chris Grover

Cross Country Program Director, U.S. Ski Team

chris.grover@usskiandsnowboard.org

January 14, 2026
US Ski Team Announces Team for Period 2 – Tour de Ski

Dear Cross Country Community,

We are pleased to announce the Team for Period 2 of the 2025-26 World Cup season – the Tour de Ski:

2025-26 Tour de Ski

Men

Hunter Wonders                       Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Ben Ogden                                Objective          5^th 25-26 Sprint World Cup

Jack Young                                Objective          18^th 25-26 Sprint World Cup

Zak Ketterson                           Objective          22^nd 25-26 Distance World Cup

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          28^th 25-26 Distance World Cup

JC Schoonmaker                        Discretion         27^th Davos Sprint F, 28^th Trondheim Sprint C

John Hagenbuch                       Discretion         30^th Davos 10 km F

Kevin Bolger                             Discretion         32^nd Davos Sprint F, 33^rd Trondheim 10 km F

Jessie Diggins (USA) did exactly what she needed to do to stay on the Overall podium on the final climb in 2025. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Women

Lauren Jortberg                        Objective          25-26 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          25-26 Overall World Cup Leader

Julia Kern                                  Objective          21^st 25-26 Sprint World Cup

Rosie Brennan                          Discretion         15^th Ruka Sprint C, 24^th Ruka 10 km C

Luci Anderson                           Discretion         25^th Davos 10 km F

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         27^th Ruka 20 km F, 27^th Davos Sprint F

Ben Ogden (USA) during the Tour de Ski 20k in Toblach (ITA) in 2024. (Photo: Vanzetta/NordicFocus)

The Working Group decided not to nominate additional athletes to the Tour de Ski due to the logistical, support demand, and health concerns surrounding the Tour, as well as to create a balanced and fair selection platform at the U.S. Nationals, where athletes currently performing at comparable levels can demonstrate their abilities. The ski service demands of the Tour alone are massive, with each athlete competing 6 times in 8 days and requiring world-class skis each day to compete for podiums. The Working Group views the Tour de Ski as a platform for elite performance and not a primary development opportunity. Individual World Cups are much better designed for developing athletes, and we intend to populate starts much more generously in the remainder of the World Cup season.

The above discretionary selections were nominated by a 15-person working group that included:

James Southam                         Athlete Rep

Ida Sargent                               Athlete Rep

Perry Thomas                           Mansfield Pro Nordic Team

Chad Salmela                            Team Birkie

Andy Newell                             Bridger Ski Foundation

Erik Flora                                  Alaska Pacific University

Pepa Miloucheva                      Craftsbury GRP

Colin Rodgers                            SMS T2

Peter Holmes                            SVSEF Gold Team

Sophie Caldwell                        Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Club

Eliška Albrigtsen                        Denver University

Chris Grover                             USST

Matt Whitcomb                        USST

Jason Cork                                USST

Kristen Bourne                          USST

The nominations were then approved by a discretionary selection review group comprised of:

Tyler Kornfield                          U.S. Ski & Snowboard Athlete Rep

Anouk Patty                              U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief of Sport

Bryan Fish                                 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Development Director

The above discretionary selection process will be repeated for each period of World Cup this coming season. As always, if you have questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact me directly.

Sincerely,

Chris Grover

Cross Country Program Director, U.S. Ski Team

chris.grover@usskiandsnowboard.org

Team USA, including Lindsey Vonn, celebrate at the end of the Tour de Ski in 2025. (Photo: NordicFocus)

December 19, 2025
U.S. Ski Team Announces Starters for Period 4

Dear Cross Country Community,

We are pleased to announce the Team for Period 4 of the 2024-25 World Cup season:

Oslo 20 km C Individual

Men

John Hagenbuch                       Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          13^th World Cup Distance Standings

Ben Ogden                                Objective          24^th World Cup Distance Standings

Zanden McMullen                     Objective          27^th World Cup Distance Standings

Luke Jager                                Discretion         21^st Les Rousses 20 km C

JC Schoonmaker                        Discretion         23^rd Falun 10 km C

Kevin Bolger                             Discretion         23^rd Falun 20 km F

Zak Ketterson                           Alternate          29^th Les Rousses 20 km C

Michael Earnhart                      Alternate          12^th U23 20 km C

Women

Kate Oldham                             Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          24-25 Overall World Cup Leader

Sophia Laukli                            Objective          17^th World Cup Distance Standings

Julia Kern                                  Objective          26^th World Cup Distance Standings

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          30^th World Cup Distance Standings

Kendall Kramer                         Discretion         18^th Cogne 10 km F

Luci Anderson                           Discretion         22^nd Les Rousses 10 km F

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         25^th Falun 20 km F

Sydney Palmer-Leger                 Alternate          26^th Falun 20 km F

Sammy Smith                            Alternate          8^th WJC 10 km F

Rosie Brennan skis to seventh in the 30 k classic at the Holmenkollen. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Oslo 10 km F Individual

Men

John Hagenbuch                       Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          13^th World Cup Distance Standings

Ben Ogden                                Objective          24^th World Cup Distance Standings

Zanden McMullen                     Objective          27^th World Cup Distance Standings

Luke Jager                                Discretion         21^st Les Rousses 20 km C

JC Schoonmaker                        Discretion         23^rd Falun 10 km C

Kevin Bolger                             Discretion         23^rd Falun 20 km F

Zak Ketterson                           Alternate          29^th Les Rousses 20 km C

Michael Earnhart                      Alternate          12^th U23 20 km C

Women

Kate Oldham                             Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          24-25 Overall World Cup Leader

Sophia Laukli                            Objective          17^th World Cup Distance Standings

Julia Kern                                  Objective          26^th World Cup Distance Standings

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          30^th World Cup Distance Standings

Kendall Kramer                         Discretion         18^th Cogne 10 km F

Luci Anderson                           Discretion         22^nd Les Rousses 10 km F

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         25^th Falun 20 km F

Sydney Palmer-Leger                 Alternate          26^th Falun 20 km F

Sammy Smith                            Alternate          8^th WJC 10 km F

Jessie Diggins under the lights in Tallinn. Diggins finished fourth in her heat and 18th overall in 2023. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Tallinn Sprint F

Men

John Hagenbuch                       Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Ben Ogden                                Objective          8^th World Cup Sprint Standings

JC Schoonmaker                        Objective          12^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Jack Young                                Objective          36^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Zak Ketterson                           Objective          37^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Keving Bolger                            Discretion         19^th Falun Sprint C

Murphy Kimball                        Alternate          28^th Falun Sprint C

Zanden McMullen                     Alternate          36^th Toblach Sprint F

Women

Kate Oldham                             Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          24-25 Overall World Cup Leader

Julia Kern                                  Objective          21^st World Cup Sprint Standings

Rosie Brennan                          Discretion         18^th Davos Sprint F

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         19^th Toblach Sprint F

Lauren Jortberg                        Discretion         28^th Engadin Sprint F

Luci Anderson                           Discretion         29^th Engadin Sprint F

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         30^th Falun Sprint F

Erin Bianco                               Alternate          33^rd Falun Sprint C

JC Schoonmaker (USA) in the individual sprint in Lahti (FIN) in 2024. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Lahti Sprint F

Men

John Hagenbuch                       Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Ben Ogden                                Objective          8^th World Cup Sprint Standings

JC Schoonmaker                        Objective          12^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Jack Young                                Objective          36^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Zak Ketterson                           Objective          37^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Keving Bolger                            Discretion         19^th Falun Sprint C

Murphy Kimball                        Alternate          28^th Falun Sprint C

Zanden McMullen                     Alternate          36^th Toblach Sprint F

Women

Kate Oldham                             Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          24-25 Overall World Cup Leader

Julia Kern                                  Objective          21^st World Cup Sprint Standings

Rosie Brennan                          Discretion         18^th Davos Sprint F

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         19^th Toblach Sprint F

Lauren Jortberg                        Discretion         28^th Engadin Sprint F

Luci Anderson                           Discretion         29^th Engadin Sprint F

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         30^th Falun Sprint F

Erin Bianco                               Alternate          33^rd Falun Sprint C

Jessie Diggins (USA) in Lahti in 2024. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Lahti 50 km C Mass Start

Men

John Hagenbuch                       Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          13^th World Cup Distance Standings

Ben Ogden                                Objective          24^th World Cup Distance Standings

Zanden McMullen                     Objective          27^th World Cup Distance Standings

Luke Jager                                Discretion         21^st Les Rousses 20 km C

JC Schoonmaker                        Discretion         23^rd Falun 10 km C

Kevin Bolger                             Discretion         23^rd Falun 20 km F

Zak Ketterson                           Alternate          29^th Les Rousses 20 km C

Michael Earnhart                      Alternate          12^th U23 20 km C

Women

Kate Oldham                             Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          24-25 Overall World Cup Leader

Sophia Laukli                            Objective          17^th World Cup Distance Standings

Julia Kern                                  Objective          26^th World Cup Distance Standings

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          30^th World Cup Distance Standings

Kendall Kramer                         Discretion         18^th Cogne 10 km F

Luci Anderson                           Discretion         22^nd Les Rousses 10 km F

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         25^th Falun 20 km F

Sydney Palmer-Leger                 Alternate          26^th Falun 20 km F

Sammy Smith                            Alternate          8^th WJC 10 km F

The above discretionary selections were nominated by a 15-person working group that included:

James Southam                         Athlete Rep.

Ida Sargent                               Athlete Rep.

Cami Thompson-Graves            Dartmouth College

Andy Newell                             Bridger Ski Foundation

Eliška Albrigtsen                        University of Alaska Fairbanks

Erik Flora                                  Alaska Pacific University

Chad Salmela                            Team Birkie

Peter Holmes                            SVSEF Gold Team

Pepa Miloucheva                      Craftsbury GRP

Maria Stuber                            SMS T2

Sophie Caldwell Hamilton          AVSC

Kristen Bourne                          U.S. Ski Team

Jason Cork                                U.S. Ski Team

Matt Whitcomb                        U.S. Ski Team

Chris Grover                             U.S. Ski Team

The nominations were then approved by a discretionary selection review group comprised of:

Tyler Kornfield                          U.S. Ski & Snowboard Athlete Rep

Anouk Patty                              U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief of Sport

Bryan Fish                                 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Development Director

The above discretionary selection process will be repeated for each period of World Cup this coming season. As always, if you have questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact me directly.

Sincerely,

Chris Grover

Cross Country Program Director, U.S. Ski Team

chris.grover@usskiandsnowboard.org

March 12, 2025
US Ski Team Announce the World Cup Team for Period 3

Dear Cross Country Community,

We are pleased to announce the Team for Period 3 of the 2024-25 World Cup season:

Les Rousses 10 km F

Men

John Hagenbuch                       Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          12^th World Cup Distance Standings

Zanden McMullen                     Objective          21^st World Cup Distance Standings

Ben Ogden                                Objective          30^th World Cup Distance Standings

Walker Hall                               Discretion         2^nd American US Nationals 10 km F

Luke Jager                                Discretion         3^rd American US Nationals 10 km F

Scott Patterson                         Discretion         4^th American US Nationals 10 km F

Hunter Wonders                       Alternate          5^th American US Nationals 10 km F

Women

Kate Oldham                             Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          24-25 Overall World Cup Leader

Sophia Laukli                            Objective          16^th World Cup Distance Standings

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          20^th World Cup Distance Standings

Julia Kern                                  Objective          30^th World Cup Distance Standings

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         31^st Ruka 20 km F, 35^th Lillehammer 10 km F

Kendall Kramer                         Discretion         2^nd US Nationals 10 km F

Lucinda Anderson                     Discretion         3^rd American US Nationals 10 km F

Sydney Palmer-Leger                 Alternate          4^th American US Nationals 10 km F

Jessie Diggins (USA) – racing the mass start in Les Rousses (FRA) in 2023. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Les Rousses Sprint C

Men

John Hagenbuch                       Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Ben Ogden                                Objective          8^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          24^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Jack Young                                Objective          25^th World Cup Sprint Standings

JC Schoonmaker                        Objective          26^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Zanden McMullen                     Discretion         22^nd Val di Fiemme Sprint C

Luke Jager                                Discretion         National Champion Sprint C

Murphy Kimball                        Alternate          2^nd US Nationals Sprint C qual.

Zak Ketterson                           Alternate          35^th Ruk Sprint C

Women

Kate Oldham                             Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          24-25 Overall World Cup Leader

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          24^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Julia Kern                                  Objective          25^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         19^th Toblach Sprint F, 22^nd Davos Sprint F

Erin Bianco                               Discretion         1^st US Nationals Sprint C

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         2^nd American US Nationals Sprint C qual.

Emma Albercht                         Discretion         3^rd American US Nationals Sprint C qual.

Les Rousses 20 km C

Men

John Hagenbuch                       Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          12^th World Cup Distance Standings

Zanden McMullen                     Objective          21^st World Cup Distance Standings

Ben Ogden                                Objective          30^th World Cup Distance Standings

Luke Jager                                Discretion         2^nd American US Nationals 20 km C

Zak Ketterson                           Discretion         36^th Ruka 10 km C

Will Koch                                  Discretion         3^rd American US Nationals 20 km C

Michael Earnhart                      Alternate          4^th American US Nationals 20 km C

Women

Kate Oldham                             Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          24-25 Overall World Cup Leader

Sophia Laukli                            Objective          16^th World Cup Distance Standings

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          20^th World Cup Distance Standings

Julia Kern                                  Objective          30^th World Cup Distance Standings

Kendall Kramer                         Discretion         National Champion 20 km C

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         Historical Distance Results

Sydney Palmer-Leger                 Discretion         28^th Davos 20 km C

Winding down the 2021-2022 World Cup in Engadin, Switzerland. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Engadin Sprint F

Men

John Hagenbuch                       Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Ben Ogden                                Objective          8^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          24^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Jack Young                                Objective          25^th World Cup Sprint Standings

JC Schoonmaker                        Objective          26^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Zanden McMullen                     Discretion         36^th Toblach Sprint F

Murphy Kimball                        Discretion         1^st US Nationals Sprint F qual.

Trey Jones                                Discretion         2^nd US Nationals Sprint F qual.

Women

Kate Oldham                             Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          24-25 Overall World Cup Leader

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          24^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Julia Kern                                  Objective          25^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         19^th Toblach Sprint F, 22^nd Davos Sprint F

Lucinda Anderson                     Discretion         1^st American US Nationals Sprint F qual.

Lauren Jortberg                        Discretion         2^nd American US Nationals Sprint F qual.

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         3^rd American US Nationals Sprint F qual.

Emma Albrecht                         Alternate          4^th American US Nationals Sprint F qual.

Engadin 20 km F

Men

John Hagenbuch                       Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          12^th World Cup Distance Standings

Zanden McMullen                     Objective          21^st World Cup Distance Standings

Ben Ogden                                Objective          30^th World Cup Distance Standings

Walker Hall                               Discretion         2^nd American US Nationals 10 km F

Luke Jager                                Discretion         3^rd American US Nationals 10 km F

Scott Patterson                         Discretion         4^th American US Nationals 10 km F

Hunter Wonders                       Alternate          5^th American US Nationals 10 km F

Women

Kate Oldham                             Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          24-25 Overall World Cup Leader

Sophia Laukli                            Objective          16^th World Cup Distance Standings

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          20^th World Cup Distance Standings

Julia Kern                                  Objective          30^th World Cup Distance Standings

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         31^st Ruka 20 km F, 35^th Lillehammer 10 km F

Kendall Kramer                         Discretion         2^nd US Nationals 10 km F

Lucinda Anderson                     Discretion         3^rd American US Nationals 10 km F

Sydney Palmer-Leger                 Alternate          4^th American US Nationals 10 km F

Julia Kern (USA) racing in Cogne, Italy in 2019. (Photo: Fischer/Nordic Focus)

Cogne Sprint C

Men

John Hagenbuch                       Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Ben Ogden                                Objective          8^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          24^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Jack Young                                Objective          25^th World Cup Sprint Standings

JC Schoonmaker                        Objective          26^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Zanden McMullen                     Discretion         22^nd Val di Fiemme Sprint C

Luke Jager                                Discretion         National Champion Sprint C

Murphy Kimball                        Alternate          2^nd US Nationals Sprint C qual.

Zak Ketterson                           Alternate          35^th Ruk Sprint C

Women

Kate Oldham                             Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          24-25 Overall World Cup Leader

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          24^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Julia Kern                                  Objective          25^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         19^th Toblach Sprint F, 22^nd Davos Sprint F

Erin Bianco                               Discretion         1^st US Nationals Sprint C

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         2^nd American US Nationals Sprint C qual.

Emma Albercht                         Discretion         3^rd American US Nationals Sprint C qual.

Cogne 10 km F

Men

John Hagenbuch                       Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          12^th World Cup Distance Standings

Zanden McMullen                     Objective          21^st World Cup Distance Standings

Ben Ogden                                Objective          30^th World Cup Distance Standings

Walker Hall                               Discretion         2^nd American US Nationals 10 km F

Luke Jager                                Discretion         3^rd American US Nationals 10 km F

Scott Patterson                         Discretion         4^th American US Nationals 10 km F

Hunter Wonders                       Alternate          5^th American US Nationals 10 km F

Women

Kate Oldham                             Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          24-25 Overall World Cup Leader

Sophia Laukli                            Objective          16^th World Cup Distance Standings

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          20^th World Cup Distance Standings

Julia Kern                                  Objective          30^th World Cup Distance Standings

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         31^st Ruka 20 km F, 35^th Lillehammer 10 km F

Kendall Kramer                         Discretion         2^nd US Nationals 10 km F

Lucinda Anderson                     Discretion         3^rd American US Nationals 10 km F

Sydney Palmer-Leger                 Alternate          4^th American US Nationals 10 km F

Rosie Brennan (USA) racing the individual sprint in Falun (SWE) last March. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Falun Sprint C

Men

John Hagenbuch                       Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Ben Ogden                                Objective          8^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          24^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Jack Young                                Objective          25^th World Cup Sprint Standings

JC Schoonmaker                        Objective          26^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Zanden McMullen                     Discretion         22^nd Val di Fiemme Sprint C

Luke Jager                                Discretion         National Champion Sprint C

Murphy Kimball                        Alternate          2^nd US Nationals Sprint C qual.

Zak Ketterson                           Alternate          35^th Ruk Sprint C

Women

Kate Oldham                             Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          24-25 Overall World Cup Leader

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          24^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Julia Kern                                  Objective          25^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         19^th Toblach Sprint F, 22^nd Davos Sprint F

Erin Bianco                               Discretion         1^st US Nationals Sprint C

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         2^nd American US Nationals Sprint C qual.

Emma Albercht                         Discretion         3^rd American US Nationals Sprint C qual.

Falun 10 km C

Men

John Hagenbuch                       Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          12^th World Cup Distance Standings

Zanden McMullen                     Objective          21^st World Cup Distance Standings

Ben Ogden                                Objective          30^th World Cup Distance Standings

Luke Jager                                Discretion         2^nd American US Nationals 20 km C

Zak Ketterson                           Discretion         36^th Ruka 10 km C

Will Koch                                  Discretion         3^rd American US Nationals 20 km C

Michael Earnhart                      Alternate          4^th American US Nationals 20 km C

Women

Kate Oldham                             Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          24-25 Overall World Cup Leader

Sophia Laukli                            Objective          16^th World Cup Distance Standings

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          20^th World Cup Distance Standings

Julia Kern                                  Objective          30^th World Cup Distance Standings

Kendall Kramer                         Discretion         National Champion 20 km C

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         Historical Distance Results

Sydney Palmer-Leger                 Discretion         28^th Davos 20 km C

Falun 20 km F

Men

John Hagenbuch                       Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          12^th World Cup Distance Standings

Zanden McMullen                     Objective          21^st World Cup Distance Standings

Ben Ogden                                Objective          30^th World Cup Distance Standings

Walker Hall                               Discretion         2^nd American US Nationals 10 km F

Luke Jager                                Discretion         3^rd American US Nationals 10 km F

Scott Patterson                         Discretion         4^th American US Nationals 10 km F

Hunter Wonders                       Alternate          5^th American US Nationals 10 km F

Women

Kate Oldham                             Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          24-25 Overall World Cup Leader

Sophia Laukli                            Objective          16^th World Cup Distance Standings

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          20^th World Cup Distance Standings

Julia Kern                                  Objective          30^th World Cup Distance Standings

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         31^st Ruka 20 km F, 35^th Lillehammer 10 km F

Kendall Kramer                         Discretion         2^nd US Nationals 10 km F

Lucinda Anderson                     Discretion         3^rd American US Nationals 10 km F

Sydney Palmer-Leger                 Alternate          4^th American US Nationals 10 km F

The above discretionary selections were nominated by a 15-person working group that included:

James Southam                         Athlete Rep.

Ida Sargent                               Athlete Rep.

Cami Thompson-Graves            Dartmouth College

Andy Newell                             Bridger Ski Foundation

Eliška Albrigtsen                        University of Alaska Fairbanks

Erik Flora                                  Alaska Pacific University

Chad Salmela                            Team Birkie

Peter Holmes                            SVSEF Gold Team

Pepa Miloucheva                      Craftsbury GRP

Maria Stuber                            SMS T2

Sophie Caldwell Hamilton          AVSC

Kristen Bourne                          U.S. Ski Team

Jason Cork                                U.S. Ski Team

Matt Whitcomb                        U.S. Ski Team

Chris Grover                             U.S. Ski Team

The nominations were then approved by a discretionary selection review group comprised of:

Tyler Kornfield                          U.S. Ski & Snowboard Athlete Rep

Anouk Patty                              U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief of Sport

Bryan Fish                                 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Development Director

The above discretionary selection process will be repeated for each period of World Cup this coming season. As always, if you have questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact me directly.

Sincerely,

Chris Grover

Cross Country Program Director, U.S. Ski Team

chris.grover@usskiandsnowboard.org

January 9, 2025
U.S. Ski Team Announces Tour de Ski Team

Dear Cross Country Community,

We are pleased to announce the Team for Period 2 of the 2024-25 World Cup season – the Tour de Ski:

2024-25 Tour de Ski

Men

John Hagenbuch                       Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          9^th 24-25 Distance World Cup

Ben Ogden                                Objective          10^th 24-24 Sprint World Cup

Zanden McMullen                     Objective          19^th 24-25 Distance World Cup

Jack Young                                Objective          24^th 24-24 Sprint World Cup

JC Schoonmaker                        Objective          31^st 24-24 Sprint World Cup

Luke Jager                                Discretion         1^st SuperTour Sprint F, 1^st SuperTour 20 km C

Last year’s Tour de Ski brought lots of highlights for the Americans, including two podium spots in Davos, Switzerland (SUI):
Rosie Brennan (USA), Kerttu Niskanen (FIN), Jessie Diggins (USA). (Photo: NordicFocus)

Women

Nina Seemann                          Objective          24-25 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          24-25 Overall World Cup Leader

Sophia Laukli                            Objective          17^th 24-25 Distance World Cup

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          18^th 24-25 Distance World Cup

Julia Kern                                  Objective          27^th 24-24 Sprint World Cup

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         22^nd Davos Sprint F

The Working Group decided not to nominate additional athletes to the Tour de Ski due to the logistic, support demand, and health concerns surrounding the Tour, as well as to create a balanced and fair selection platform at the U.S. Nationals, where athletes currently performing at comparable levels can demonstrate their abilities. The ski service demands of the Tour alone are massive, with each athlete competing 7 times in 9 days, including one Skiathlon, and requiring world-class skis each day to compete for podiums. The Working Group views the Tour de Ski as platform for elite performance and not a primary development opportunity. Individual World Cups are much better designed for developing athletes and we intend to populate starts much more generously in the remainder of the World Cup season.

Not to be overshadowed, the American men also had lots of great results in the Tour de Ski, including Gus Schumacher (USA), which may have just been a sign of what would come later in the season. (Photo: NordicFocus)

The above discretionary selections were nominated by a 15-person working group that included:

James Southam                         Athlete Rep.

Ida Sargent                               Athlete Rep.

Cami Thompson-Graves            Dartmouth College

Andy Newell                             Bridger Ski Foundation

Eliška Albrigtsen                        University of Alaska Fairbanks

Erik Flora                                  Alaska Pacific University

Chad Salmela                            Team Birkie

Peter Holmes                            SVSEF Gold Team

Pepa Miloucheva                      Craftsbury GRP

Maria Stuber                            SMS T2

Sophie Caldwell Hamilton          AVSC

Kristen Bourne                          U.S. Ski Team

Jason Cork                                U.S. Ski Team

Matt Whitcomb                        U.S. Ski Team

Chris Grover                             U.S. Ski Team

The nominations were then approved by a discretionary selection review group comprised of:

Tyler Kornfield                          U.S. Ski & Snowboard Athlete Rep

Anouk Patty                              U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief of Sport

Bryan Fish                                 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Development Director

The above discretionary selection process will be repeated for each period of World Cup this coming season. As always, if you have questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact me directly.

Sincerely,

Chris Grover

Cross Country Program Director, U.S. Ski Team

chris.grover@usskiandsnowboard.org

December 23, 2024
US Ski and Snowboard Announces World Cup Team for Period 1

Dear Cross Country Community,

We are pleased to announce the XC Team for Period 1 of the 2024-25 World Cup season:

Ruka, FIN Sprint C

Men

Michael Earnhart                      Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

JC Schoonmaker                        Objective          10^th 23-24 Sprint World Cup

Ben Ogden                                Objective          15^th 23-24 Sprint World Cup

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          27^th 23-24 Sprint World Cup

Kevin Bolger                             Objective          30^th 23-24 Sprint World Cup

Zak Ketterson                           Objective          35^th 23-24 Sprint World Cup

Zanden McMullen                     Discretion         17^th Drammen Sprint C 23-24 WC

Luke Jager                                Alternate          24^th Canmore Sprint C 23-24 WC

Women

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          23-24 Overall World Cup Winner

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          10^th 23-24 Sprint World Cup

Julia Kern                                  Objective          12^th 23-24 Sprint World Cup

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         28^th Oberhof Sprint C 23-24 WC

Erin Bianco                               Discretion         35^th Oberhof Sprint C 23-24 WC

Renae Anderson                       Discretion         36^th Canmore Sprint C 23-24 WC

Novie McCabe                          Discretion         43^rd Ruka Sprint C 23-24 WC

Lauren Jortberg                        Alternate          43^rd Canmore Sprint C 23-24 WC

Last season in Ruka, Finland Sophia Laukli (USA) came off an impressive trail running summer season to start her ski season with a 14th place finish. The long distance races are Laukli’s strength. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Ruka, FIN 10 km C & Davos, SUI 20 km C

Men

Michael Earnhart                      Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          16^th 23-24 Distance World Cup

Scott Patterson                         Objective          28^th 23-24 Distance World Cup

Zanden McMullen                     Objective          37^th 23-24 Distance World Cup

Ben Ogden                                Discretion         8^th Trondheim 10 km C 23-24 WC

John Hagenbuch                       Discretion         1^st American SuperTour Finals 10 km C 2024

Davis Norris                              Discretion         33^rd Canmore 20 km C 23-24 WC

Hunter Wonders                       Alternate          34^th Canmore 20 km C 23-24 WC

Zak Ketterson                           Alternate          40^th Oberhof 20 km C 23-24 WC

Luke Jager                                Alternate          40^th Trondheim 10 km C 23-24 WC

Women

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          23-24 Overall World Cup Winner

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          7^th 23-24 Distance World Cup

Sophia Laukli                            Objective          15^th 23-24 Distance World Cup

Novie McCabe                          Discretion         19^th Davos 20 km C, 23-24 WC

Julia Kern                                  Discretion         26^th Canmore 20 km C, 23-24 WC

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         26^th Val di Fiemme 15 km C 23-24 WC

Sydney Palmer-Leger                 Discretion         US National Champion 10 km C 2024

Haley Brewster                         Alternate          12^th U23 World Champs 10 km C 2024

Margie Freed                            Alternate          2^nd American, US Nationals 10 km C 2024

Ruka, FIN 20 km F & Lillehammer, NOR 10 km F

Men

Michael Earnhart                      Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          16^th 23-24 Distance World Cup

Scott Patterson                         Objective          28^th 23-24 Distance World Cup

Zanden McMullen                     Objective          37^th 23-24 Distance World Cup

John Hagenbuch                       Discretion         13^th Östersund 10 km F 23-24 WC

Ben Ogden                                Discretion         25^th Gällivare 10 km F 23-24 WC

David Norris                              Discretion         27^th Canmore 15 km F 23-24 WC

Peter Wolter                             Alternate          36^th Canmore 15 km F 23-24 WC

Luke Jager                                Alternate          39^th Minneapolis 10 km F 23-24 WC

Hunter Wonders                       Alternate          40^th Canmore 15 km F 23-24 WC

Women

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          23-24 Overall World Cup Winner

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          7^th 23-24 Distance World Cup

Sophia Laukli                            Objective          15^th 23-24 Distance World Cup

Novie McCabe                          Discretion         11^th Falun 20 km F 23-24 WC

Julia Kern                                  Discretion         18^th Gällivare 10 km F 23-24 WC

Sydney Palmer-Leger                 Discretion         23^rd Falun 20 km F 23-24 WC

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         23^rd Val di Fiemme Final Climb 23-24 WC

Haley Brewster                         Alternate          25^th Minneapolis 10 km F 23-24 WC

Margie Freed                            Alternate          29^th Canmore 15 km F 23-24 WC

Mariah Bredal                           Alternate          30^th Canmore 15 km F 23-24 WC

Early season action in Ruka, Finland was exciting last year with Moa Ilar (SWE), Rosie Brennan (USA) and Jessie Diggins (USA), (l-r) battling until the end. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Lillehammer, NOR Sprint F & Davos, SUI Sprint F

Men

Michael Earnhart                      Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

JC Schoonmaker                        Objective          10^th 23-24 Sprint World Cup

Ben Ogden                                Objective          15^th 23-24 Sprint World Cup

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          27^th 23-24 Sprint World Cup

Kevin Bolger                             Objective          30^th 23-24 Sprint World Cup

Zak Ketterson                           Objective          35^th 23-24 Sprint World Cup

Logan Diekmann                       Discretion         16^th Canmore Sprint F 23-24 WC

Jack Young                                Alternate          23^rd Canmore Sprint F 23-24 WC

Zanden McMullen                     Alternate          25^th Davos Sprint F 23-24 WC

John Hagenbuch                       Alternate          3^rd Planica U23 World Champs Sprint F

Women

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          23-24 Overall World Cup Winner

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          10^th 23-24 Sprint World Cup

Julia Kern                                  Objective          12^th 23-24 Sprint World Cup

Lauren Jortberg                        Discretion         19^th Canmore Sprint F 23-24 WC

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         21^st Goms Sprint F 23-24 WC

Erin Bianco                               Discretion         29^th Canmore Sprint F 23-24 WC

Haley Brewster                         Discretion         1^st US National Champs Sprint F Qual.

Novie McCabe                          Alternate          34^th Davos Sprint F 23-24 WC

Renae Anderson                       Alternate          40^th Canmore Sprint F 23-24 WC

Lillehammer, NOR 20 km Skiathlon

Men

Michael Earnhart                      Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          16^th 23-24 Distance World Cup

Scott Patterson                         Objective          28^th 23-24 Distance World Cup

Zanden McMullen                     Objective          37^th 23-24 Distance World Cup

Ben Ogden                                Discretion         17^th Trondheim Skiathlon 23-24 WC

John Hagenbuch                       Discretion         13^th Östersund 10 km F 23-24 WC

David Norris                              Discretion         27^th Canmore 15 km F 23-24 WC

Women

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          23-24 Overall World Cup Winner

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          7^th 23-24 Distance World Cup

Sophia Laukli                            Objective          15^th 23-24 Distance World Cup

Novie McCabe                          Discretion         23^rd Trondheim Skiathlon 23-24 WC

Julia Kern                                  Discretion         18^th Gällivare 10 km F 23-24 WC

Sydney Palmer-Leger                 Discretion         23^rd Falun 20 km F 23-24 WC

Haley Brewster                         Discretion         25^th Minneapolis 10 km F 23-24 WC

Last season saw an early season skiathlon in Trondheim, Norway (NOR, here the women’s race gets started.
(Photo: Modica/NordicFocus)

The above discretionary selections were nominated by a 15-person working group that included:

James Southam                         Athlete Rep.

Ida Sargent                               Athlete Rep.

Cami Thompson-Graves            Dartmouth College

Andy Newell                             Bridger Ski Foundation

Eliška Albrigtsen                        University of Alaska Fairbanks

Erik Flora                                  Alaska Pacific University

Chad Salmela                            Team Birkie

Chris Mallory                            SVSEF Gold Team

Pepa Miloucheva                      Craftsbury GRP

Maria Stuber                            SMS T2

Sophie Caldwell Hamilton          Aspen Valley Ski and Snowboard Clu

Kristen Bourne                          U.S. Ski Team

Jason Cork                                U.S. Ski Team

Matt Whitcomb                        U.S. Ski Team

Chris Grover                             U.S. Ski Team

The nominations were then approved by a discretionary selection review group comprised of:

Tyler Kornfield                          U.S. Ski & Snowboard Athlete Rep

Anouk Patty                              U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief of Sport

Bryan Fish                                 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Development Director

The above discretionary selection process will be repeated for each period of World Cup this coming season. As always, if you have questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact me directly.

Sincerely,

Chris Grover

Cross Country Program Director, U.S. Ski Team

chris.grover@usskiandsnowboard.org

July 9, 2024
2025 Trondheim Nordic World Championships and the 2024-25 World Cup Criteria Announced

Dear Cross Country Community,

The finalized selection criteria for the 2025 Trondheim Nordic World Championships and the 2024-25 World Cup have been approved by the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Cross Country Sport Committee and can be found here:

https://usskiandsnowboard.org/sport-programs/criteria

You’ll notice the selection methods are the same as in recent past seasons. As always, if you have any questions or concerns about the criteria, please reach out. My contact info is below. I wish everyone a productive and fun summer of training.

Sincerely,

Chris Grover

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Cross Country Program Director

chris.grover@usskiandsnowboard.org

May 31, 2024
US Announces Period 4 World Cup Selections

Dear Cross Country Community,

We are pleased to announce the Team for Period 4 of the 2023-24 World Cup season:

Rosie Brennan skis to 7th during the 30k classic at Holmenkollen in March, 2022. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Lahti 20 km C, Holmenkollen 50 km C, & Falun 10 km C

Men

Michael Earnhart                      Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          16^th Distance World Cup Standings

Scott Patterson                         Objective          30^th Distance World Cup Standings

Ben Ogden                                Objective          39^th Distance World Cup Standings

Zanden McMullen                     Discretion         29^th Trondheim 10 km C

David Norris                              Discretion         33^rd Canmore 20 km C

Hunter Wonders                       Discretion         34^th Canmore 20 km C

Luke Jager                                Alternate          1^st US Nationals 10 km C

Peter Wolter                             Alternate          2^nd US Nationals 10 km C

Zak Ketterson                           Alternate          40^th Oberhof 20 km C

Women

Margie Freed                            Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          23-24 Overall World Cup Leader

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          4^th Distance World Cup Standings

Sophia Laukli                            Objective          15^th Distance World Cup Standings

Novie McCabe                          Discretion         19^th Davos 20 km C

Julia Kern                                  Discretion         26^th Canmore 20 km C

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         28^th Davos 20 km C

Haley Brewster                         Discretion         12^th World Junior Champs 10 km C

Sydney Palmer-Leger                 Alternate          31^st Canmore 20 km C

Julia Kern had a 7th place finish in that Lahti sprint in 2023. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Lahti Sprint F

Men

Michael Earnhart                      Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Ben Ogden                                Objective          10^th Sprint World Cup Standings

JC Schoonmaker                        Objective          13^th Sprint World Cup Standings

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          24^th Sprint World Cup Standings

Kevin Bolger                             Objective          26^th Sprint World Cup Standings

Zak Ketterson                           Objective          33^rd Sprint World Cup Standings

John Hagenbuch                       Discretion         3^rd U23 World Champs Sprint F

Logan Diekmann                       Alternate          16^th Canmore Sprint F

Jack Young                                Alternate          23^rd Canmore Sprint F

Zanden McMullen                     Alternate          25^th Davos Sprint F

Will Koch                                  Alternate          38^th Minneapolis Sprint F

Women

Margie Freed                            Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          23-24 Overall World Cup Leader

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          10^th Sprint World Cup Standings

Julia Kern                                  Objective          14^th Sprint World Cup Standings

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         2^nd World Junior Champs Sprint F

Lauren Jortberg                        Discretion         19^th Canmore Sprint F

Erin Bianco                               Discretion         29^th Canmore Sprint F

Haley Brewster                         Discretion         1^st US Nationals Sprint F Qualifier

Ava Thurston                            Alternate          2^nd World Junior Champs Sprint F Qualifier

Ben Ogden went from the gun in the Drammen sprint in 2023, he will be missed in this year with mono.

Drammen Sprint C & Falun Sprint C

Men

Michael Earnhart                      Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Ben Ogden                                Objective          10^th Sprint World Cup Standings

JC Schoonmaker                        Objective          13^th Sprint World Cup Standings

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          24^th Sprint World Cup Standings

Kevin Bolger                             Objective          26^th Sprint World Cup Standings

Zak Ketterson                           Objective          33^rd Sprint World Cup Standings

Luke Jager                                Discretion         24^th Canmore Sprint C

Zanden McMullen                     Alternate          33^rd Canmore Sprint C

Women

Margie Freed                            Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          23-24 Overall World Cup Leader

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          10^th Sprint World Cup Standings

Julia Kern                                  Objective          14^th Sprint World Cup Standings

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         28^th Oberhof Sprint C

Erin Bianco                               Discretion         35^th Oberhof Sprint C

Renae Anderson                       Discreton          36^th Canmore Sprint C

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         1^st US Nationals Sprint C Qualifier

Haley Brewster                         Alternate          3^rd US Nationals Sprint C Qualifier

Jessie Diggins hopes to celebrate by winning her second overall crystal globe in Falun, Sweden. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Falun 20 km F

Men

Michael Earnhart                      Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          16^th Distance World Cup Standings

Scott Patterson                         Objective          30^th Distance World Cup Standings

Ben Ogden                                Objective          39^th Distance World Cup Standings

John Hagenbuch                       Discretion         13^th Östersund 10 km F

Zanden McMullen                     Discretion         23^rd Canmore 15 km F

David Norris                              Discretion         27^th Canmore 15 km F

Peter Wolter                             Alternate          36^th Canmore 15 km F

Luke Jager                                Alternate          39^th Minneapolis 10 km F

Hunter Wonders                       Alternate          40^th Canmore 15 km F

Women

Margie Freed                            Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          23-24 Overall World Cup Leader

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          4^th Distance World Cup Standings

Sophia Laukli                            Objective          15^th Distance World Cup Standings

Julia Kern                                  Discretion         18^th Gällivare 10 km F

Novie McCabe                          Discretion         21^st Ruka 20 km F

Haley Brewster                         Discretion         25^th Minneapolis 10 km F

Sydney Palmer-Leger                 Discretion         25^th Canmore 15 km F

Sammy Smith                            Alternate          23^rd Tour de Ski Final Climb F

Mariah Bredal                           Alternate          30^th Canmore 15 km F

Kendall Kramer                         Alternate          36^th Minneapolis 10 km F

The above discretionary selections were nominated by a 15-person working group that included:

James Southam                         Athlete Rep.

Ida Sargent                               Athlete Rep.

Cami Thompson-Graves            Dartmouth College

Andy Newell                             Bridger Ski Foundation

Eliška Albrigtsen                        University of Alaska Fairbanks

Erik Flora                                  Alaska Pacific University

Chad Salmela                            Team Birkie

Chris Mallory                            SVSEF Gold Team

Pepa Miloucheva                      Craftsbury GRP

Perry Thomas                           SMS T2

Sophie Caldwell Hamilton          AVSC

Kristen Bourne                          U.S. Ski Team

Jason Cork                                U.S. Ski Team

Matt Whitcomb                        U.S. Ski Team

Chris Grover                             U.S. Ski Team

The nominations were then approved by a discretionary selection review group comprised of:

Kelsey Phinney                          U.S. Ski & Snowboard Athlete Rep

Anouk Patty                              U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief of Sport

Bryan Fish                                 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Development Director

The above discretionary selection process will be repeated for each period of World Cup this coming season. As always, if you have questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact me directly.

Sincerely,

Chris Grover

Cross Country Program Director, U.S. Ski Team

chris.grover@usskiandsnowboard.org

February 26, 2024
US Team Announced for Period 3 World Cups

Dear Cross Country Community,

We are pleased to announce the Team for Period 3 of the 2023-24 World Cup season:

Oberhof Sprint C

Men

Michael Earnhart                      Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Ben Ogden                                Objective          8^th World Cup Sprint Standings

JC Schoonmaker                        Objective          16^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          26^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Kevin Bolger                             Objective          31^st World Cup Sprint Standings

Zanden McMullen                     Discretion         25^th Davos Sprint F

Luke Jager                                Discretion         1^st US Nationals Sprint C Qualifier

Will Koch                                  Alternate          1^st US Nationals Sprint F Qualifier

Zak Ketterson                           Alternate          Lygna Norwegian Cup Sprint F Qualifier

Women

Sydney Palmer-Leger                 Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          23-24 Overall World Cup Leader

Julia Kern                                  Objective          6^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          7^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         22^nd Davos Sprint F

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         1^st US Nationals Sprint C Qualifier

Haley Brewster                         Discretion         1^st US Nationals Sprint F Qualifier

Erin Bianco                               Discretion         3^rd N. American Sprint Qualifier List

Oberhof 20 km C & Goms 20 km F

Men

Michael Earnhart                      Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          20^th World Cup Distance Standings

Ben Ogden                                Objective          25^th World Cup Distance Standings

John Hagenbuch                       Discretion         13^th Östersund 10 km F

Scott Patterson                         Discretion         20^th Ruka 20 km F Mass

Zanden McMullen                     Discretion         27^th Östersund 10 km F

Luke Jager                                Discretion         1^st US Nationals 10 km C

Peter Wolter                             Alternate          2^nd US Nationals 10 km C & 20 km F

Women

Sydney Palmer-Leger                 Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          23-24 Overall World Cup Leader

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          2^nd World Cup Distance Standings

Sophia Laukli                            Objective          21^st World Cup Distance Standings

Novie McCabe                          Objecitve          28^th World Cup Distance Standings

Julia Kern                                  Discretion         18^th Gällivare 10 km F

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         23^rd Val di Fiemme 10 km F Final Climb

Haley Brewster                         Discretion         1^st US Nationals 20 km F

Margie Freed                            Alternate          2^nd US Nationals 10 km C & 3^rd 20 km F

Goms Sprint F

Men

Michael Earnhart                      Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Ben Ogden                                Objective          8^th World Cup Sprint Standings

JC Schoonmaker                        Objective          16^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          26^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Kevin Bolger                             Objective          31^st World Cup Sprint Standings

Zanden McMullen                     Discretion         25^th Davos Sprint F

Will Koch                                  Alternate          1^st US Nationals Sprint F Qualifier

Luke Jager                                Discretion         1^st US Nationals Sprint C Qualifier

Zak Ketterson                           Alternate          Lygna Norwegian Cup Sprint F Qualifier

Women

Sydney Palmer-Leger                 Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          23-24 Overall World Cup Leader

Julia Kern                                  Objective          6^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          7^th World Cup Sprint Standings

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         22^nd Davos Sprint F

Haley Brewster                         Discretion         1^st 1^st US Nationals Sprint F Qualifier

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         1^st US Nationals Sprint C Qualifier

Erin Bianco                               Discretion         3^rd N. American Sprint Qualifier List

The above discretionary selections were nominated by a 15-person working group that included:

James Southam                         Athlete Rep.

Ida Sargent                               Athlete Rep.

Cami Thompson-Graves            Dartmouth College

Andy Newell                             Bridger Ski Foundation

Eliška Albrigtsen                        University of Alaska Fairbanks

Erik Flora                                  Alaska Pacific University

Chad Salmela                            Team Birkie

Chris Mallory                            SVSEF Gold Team

Pepa Miloucheva                      Craftsbury GRP

Perry Thomas                           SMS T2

Sophie Caldwell Hamilton          AVSC

Kristen Bourne                          U.S. Ski Team

Jason Cork                                U.S. Ski Team

Matt Whitcomb                        U.S. Ski Team

Chris Grover                             U.S. Ski Team

The nominations were then approved by a discretionary selection review group comprised of:

Kelsey Phinney                          U.S. Ski & Snowboard Athlete Rep

Anouk Patty                              U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief of Sport

Bryan Fish                                 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Development Director

The above discretionary selection process will be repeated for each period of World Cup this coming season. As always, if you have questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact me directly.

Sincerely,

Chris Grover

Cross Country Program Director, U.S. Ski Team

chris.grover@usskiandsnowboard.org

January 15, 2024
The Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team Announces the Team for Period 2 of the 2023-24 World Cup Season & Tour de Ski

Dear Cross Country Community,

We are pleased to announce the Team for Period 2 of the 2023-24 World Cup season – the Tour de Ski:

2023-24 Tour de Ski

Men

Michael Earnhart                      Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Ben Ogden                                Objective          7^th World Cup Sprint 23-24

JC Schoonmaker                        Objective          10^th World Cup Sprint 23-24

Gus Schumacher                       Objective          18^th World Cup Distance 23-24

Kevin Bolger                             Objective          33^rd World Cup Sprint 23-24

Zanden McMullen                     Objective          34^th World Cup Distance 23-24

John Hagenbuch                       Discretion         13^th Östersund WC 10 km F

Scott Patterson                         Discretion         20^th Ruka WC 20 km F Mass

Women

Sammy Smith                            Objective          23-24 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          23-24 Overall World Cup Leader

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          3^rd World Cup Distance 23-24

Julia Kern                                  Objective          7^th World Cup Sprint 23-24

Sophia Laukli                            Objective          21^st World Cup Distance 23-24

Novie McCabe                          Objective          25^th World Cup Distance 23-24

Jessie Diggins and Rosie Brennan push up the Alpe Cermis together, finishing 5th and 6th place on the final day of the Tour de Ski in 2023. (Photo: Nordic Focus).

The Working Group decided not to nominate additional athletes to the Tour de Ski due to the logistic, support demand, and health concerns surrounding the Tour, as well as to create a balanced and fair selection platform at the U.S. Nationals, where athletes currently performing at comparable levels can demonstrate their abilities. The ski service demands of the Tour alone are massive, with each athlete competing 7 times in 9 days and requiring world-class skis each day to compete for podiums. The Working Group views the Tour de Ski as platform for elite performance and not a primary development opportunity. Individual World Cups are much better designed for developing athletes and we intend to populate starts much more generously in the remainder of the World Cup season.

Sophia Laukli at the top of the Alpe Cermis Hill Climb last January, where she earned her first FIS World Cup podium. (Photo: Nordic Focus).

The above discretionary selections were nominated by a 15-person working group that included:

James Southam                         Athlete Rep.

Ida Sargent                               Athlete Rep.

Cami Thompson-Graves            Dartmouth College

Andy Newell                             Bridger Ski Foundation

Eliška Albrigtsen                        University of Alaska Fairbanks

Erik Flora                                  Alaska Pacific University

Chad Salmela                            Team Birkie

Chris Mallory                            SVSEF Gold Team

Pepa Miloucheva                      Craftsbury GRP

Perry Thomas                           SMS T2

Sophie Caldwell Hamilton          AVSC

Kristen Bourne                          U.S. Ski Team

Jason Cork                                U.S. Ski Team

Matt Whitcomb                        U.S. Ski Team

Chris Grover                             U.S. Ski Team

The nominations were then approved by a discretionary selection review group comprised of:

Kelsey Phinney                          U.S. Ski & Snowboard Athlete Rep

Anouk Patty                              U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief of Sport

Bryan Fish                                 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Development Director

The above discretionary selection process will be repeated for each period of World Cup this coming season. As always, if you have questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact me directly.

Sincerely,

Chris Grover

Cross Country Program Director, U.S. Ski Team

chris.grover@usskiandsnowboard.org

December 22, 2023
Update to U.S. Ski & Snowboard 23-24 World Cup Selection Criterion
Dear Cross Country Community,

We needed to make two modifications to our 2023-24 World Cup Selection Criterion based on new World Cup Rule changes that were just ratified by the FIS Council last month. The changes are:
1. The previous World Cup calendar had 5 periods of World Cup, with Canmore and Minneapolis residing in their own period of World Cup. The updated WC calendar combined the former period III and period IV. Now we have only 4 periods of World Cup. You can view the current World Cup calendar here: https://www.fis-ski.com/en/inside-fis/document-library/cross-country-documents This means a small change to our SuperTour COC leader selection; the SuperTour leader post US Nationals will now have starts in Oberhof, Goms, Canmore and Minneapolis (the new combined Period III). So, you’ll see a date change for this COC-leader selection in the Canmore and Minneapolis sections of the criterion.
2. The FIS point threshold for starting in a World Cup has changed. The previous standard was one race result in the past calendar year at 60 points or better (distance men), 90 points or better (distance women), and 120 FIS points or better (sprint women and men). The new standard is a FIS point profile of 150 points or better (men and women) on the current respective FIS points list (distance or sprint) that applies to the race the athlete would like to start. Please see the new language and the dates of validity for the various competitions and respective FIS points lists under Criteria Guidelines in the selection criterion.
You can view the updated World Cup Selection Criterion here:

https://usskiandsnowboard.org/sport-programs/criteria/cross-country-world-cup-criteria

This updated Selection Criterion has been circulated and green-lighted by the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Cross Country Sport Committee. As always, please reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Chris Grover

U.S. Ski & Snowboard Cross Country Program Director

Chris.grover@usskiandsnowboard.org
November 19, 2023
US Ski and Snowboard Announces World Cup Team for Period 1

Dear Cross Country Community,

We are pleased to announce the XC Team for Period 1 of the 2023-24 World Cup season:

Ruka, FIN Sprint C & Östersund, SWE Sprint C

Men

Zanden McMullen                     Objective          22-23 Overall SuperTour Leader

Ben Ogden                                Objective          10^th World Cup Sprint 22-23

JC Schoonmaker                        Objective          30^th World Cup Sprint 22-23

Kevin Bolger                             Objective          40^th World Cup Sprint 22-23

Zak Ketterson                           Discretion         17^th Val di Fiemme Sprint C 22-23

Luke Jager                                Discretion         55.51 FIS Sprint Points

Logan Diekmann                       Discretion         61.32 FIS Sprint Points

Will Koch                                  Alternate          76.66 FIS Sprint Points

Michael Earnhart                      Alternate          81.47 FIS Sprint Points

Women

Hailey Swirbul                           Objective          22-23 Overall SuperTour Leader

Julia Kern                                  Objective          7^th World Cup Sprint 22-23

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          11^th World Cup Sprint 22-23

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          16^th World Cup Sprint 22-23

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         74.35 FIS Sprint Points

Lauren Jortberg                        Discretion         85.8 FIS Sprint Points

Sammy Smith                            Discretion         97.22 FIS Sprint Points

Novie McCabe                          Alternate          108.46 FIS Sprint Points

Sarah Goble                              Alternate          110.7 FIS Sprint Points

Ruka, FIN 10 km C & Trondheim, NOR 10 km C

Men

Zanden McMullen                     Objective          22-23 Overall SuperTour Leader

Scott Patterson                         Objective          21^st World Cup Distance 22-23

Ben Ogden                                Objective          26^th World Cup Distance 22-23

Hunter Wonders                       Discretion         11^th Oberstdorf 10 km C 22-23

Gus Schumacher                       Discretion         15^th Oberstdorf 10 km C 22-23

David Norris                              Discretion         22^nd Planica WSC 50 km C 2023

Zak Ketterson                           Discretion         28^th Lahti 20 km C 22-23

John Hagenbuch                       Alternate          27.26 FIS Distance Points

Luke Jager                                Alternate          35.71 FIS Distance Points

Women

Hailey Swirbul                           Objective          22-23 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          2^nd World Cup Distance 22-23

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          6^th World Cup Distance 22-23

Julia Kern                                  Discretion         12^th Val Müstair 10 km C 22-23

Novie McCabe                          Discretion         14^th Falun 10 km C 22-23

Sophia Laukli                            Discretion         29^th Beitostølen 10 km C 22-23

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         44.32 FIS Distance Points

Sydney Palmer-Leger                 Alternate          45.6 FIS Distance Points

Alex Lawson                              Alternate          53.63 FIS Distance Points

Ruka, FIN 20 km F, Gällivare, SWE 10 km F, & Östersund, SWE 10 km F

Men

Zanden McMullen                     Objective          22-23 Overall SuperTour Leader

Scott Patterson                         Objective          21^st World Cup Distance 22-23

Ben Ogden                                Objective          26^th World Cup Distance 22-23

David Norris                              Discretion         17^th Oslo 50 km F 22-23

Gus Schumacher                       Discretion         18^th Davos 20 km F 22-23

Hunter Wonders                       Discretion         19^th Oberstdorf 20 km F 22-23

Zak Ketterson                           Discretion         26^th Lillehammer 10 km F 22-23

John Hagenbuch                       Alternate          27.26 FIS Distance Points

Luke Jager                                Alternate          35.71 FIS Distance Points

Women

Hailey Swirbul                           Objective          22-23 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          2^nd World Cup Distance 22-23

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          6^th World Cup Distance 22-23

Julia Kern                                  Discretion         10^th Toblach 10 km F 22-23

Sophia Laukli                            Discretion         17^th Davos 20 km F 22-23

Novie McCabe                          Discretion         25^th Ruka 20 km F 22-23

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Discretion         26^th Davos 20 km F 22-23

Sydney Palmer-Leger                 Alternate          45.6 FIS Distance Points

Alex Lawson                              Alternate          53.63 FIS Distance Points

Julia Kern skiing on the World Cup last season. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Trondheim, NOR 20 km Skiathlon

Men

Zanden McMullen                     Objective          22-23 Overall SuperTour Leader

Scott Patterson                         Objective          21^st World Cup Distance 22-23

Ben Ogden                                Objective          26^th World Cup Distance 22-23

David Norris                              Discretion         17^th Oslo 50 km F 22-23

Gus Schumacher                       Discretion         18^th Davos 20 km F 22-23

Hunter Wonders                       Discretion         19^th Oberstdorf 20 km F 22-23

Zak Ketterson                           Discretion         26^th Lillehammer 10 km F 22-23

John Hagenbuch                       Alternate          27.26 FIS Distance Points

Luke Jager                                Alternate          35.71 FIS Distance Points

Women

Hailey Swirbul                           Objective          22-23 Overall SuperTour Leader

Jessie Diggins                            Objective          2^nd World Cup Distance 22-23

Rosie Brennan                          Objective          6^th World Cup Distance 22-23

Sydney Palmer-Leger                 Discretion         20^th Planica WSC Skiathlon 2023

Sophia Laukli                            Discretion         17^th Davos 20 km F 22-23

Julia Kern                                  Discretion         17^th Oberstdorf 20 km F 22-23

Novie McCabe                          Discretion         25^th Ruka 20 km F 22-23

Alayna Sonnesyn                       Alternate          26^th Davos 20 km F 22-23

Alex Lawson                              Alternate          53.63 FIS Distance Points

The above discretionary selections were nominated by a 15-person working group that included:

James Southam                         Athlete Rep.

Ida Sargent                               Athlete Rep.

Cami Thompson-Graves            Dartmouth College

Andy Newell                             Bridger Ski Foundation

Eliška Albrigtsen                        University of Alaska Fairbanks

Erik Flora                                  Alaska Pacific University

Chad Salmela                            Team Birkie

Chris Mallory                            SVSEF Gold Team

Pepa Miloucheva                      Craftsbury GRP

Perry Thomas                           SMS T2

Dan Weiland                             Ski & Snowboard Club Vail

Kate Johnson                            U.S. Ski Team

Jason Cork                                U.S. Ski Team

Matt Whitcomb                        U.S. Ski Team

Chris Grover                             U.S. Ski Team

The nominations were then approved by a discretionary selection review group comprised of:

Kelsey Phinney                         U.S. Ski & Snowboard Athlete Rep

Anouk Patty                              U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief of Sport

Bryan Fish                                 U.S. Ski & Snowboard Development Director

The above discretionary selection process will be repeated for each period of World Cup this coming season. As always, if you have questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact me directly.

Sincerely,

Chris Grover

Cross Country Program Director, U.S. Ski Team

chris.grover@usskiandsnowboard.org

Scott Patterson (USA) skiing the men’s 15km in Planica (SLO) last season. (Photo: NordicFocus)

July 4, 2023
US Ski Team Seeks World Cup Wax/Ski Technician
CLASSIFICATION Seasonal, Part-time, Exempt

REPORTS TO Cross Country Program Director and XC Head of Service

LOCATION Remote

TRAVEL Approximately 3-4/months a year (November – March)

SUMMARY / OBJECTIVE
The XC World Cup Wax/Ski Technician is a travel-intensive position supporting athletes competing on the World Cup and at the Winter Olympics and Nordic World Championships.

The XC World Cup Wax/Ski Technician is responsible for providing world-class wax and ski service to the World Cup team by fully integrating with the USA XC service team. The XC World Cup Wax/Ski Technician must have a love of XC skiing and ski racing, be naturally curious, industrious, be a team player with good communication skills, and be willing to push hard to make the best skis possible for each athlete.

U.S. Ski Team wax truck during pre-season camp in Rovaniemi, Finland. (Matt Whitcomb)

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Athlete Experience
- Engage in supportive, empathetic, and frequent communication with athletes, coaches, service team members, and other USA staff.
- Work closely with athletes to select, manage, test, prepare, and maintain the ski fleets of assigned athletes as well as the team in general. Be available to help additional athletes needing support, as directed by the XC Program Director, XC Head Coach, or XC Head of Service.
- Plan for the selection of skis for each assigned athlete, often outside of the period of employment.
- Stay current on SafeSport training.
Operational Excellence
- Work with the USA XC Head of Service to learn the daily testing and working protocols of the USA Service team.
- Work with the XC Program Director and XC Head of Service to develop a personal travel schedule for the race season to support the team.
- Engage in long-term and short-term planning with the rest of the service team.
- Engage in the procurement of equipment and materials as directed by the Head of Service, occasionally outside of the period of employment.
- Familiarize oneself with new technologies and developments in ski sport.
- Learn the complete operations of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard wax truck, including the full set-up and take-down of the truck. Attainment of a commercial driver’s license (class whatever it is) may be required.
- Engage in the learning and operation of our grinding system and associated projects.
- Occasional support of camps and testing projects outside of the competition season.
Financial Performance
- Frequent expense reporting under the guidance of the XC Program Director.
- Paying wax companies frequently to avoid invoices arriving after the season, as directed by the Head of Service.
USST athletes and coaches in the Torsby Ski Tunnel, August 2022. Back row, from left: Johnny Hagenbuch, Kevin Bolger, Finn O’Connell, JC Schoonmaker, Ben Ogden, and Walker Hall. Kneeling, from left: coaches Greta Anderson, Kristen Bourne, and Matt Whitcomb. (photo: François Faivre)

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The ability to visually assess a testing or training venue to ensure athlete and staff safety.
- The ability to manage and use foresight when planning travel logistics and be willing and able to tackle travel challenges.
- Considerable lifting of heavy gear and baggage.
- Must be an expert level XC skier
COMPETENCIES & EXPERIENCE
- This position requires extensive travel.
- Must be detail and task oriented, goal driven, a strategic and tactical thinker and planner, and always positive and professional.
- Excellent communication skills. Written and verbal. Individually and in groups. Adults and under-18.
- Strong database skills (Excel/Sheets).
- Strong winter driving skills, and ability to operate manual transmission is imperative. If necessary, additional driving education may be required if requisite level is not met.
- Must be physically fit and capable of testing skis for a long period of time, and training with the athletes on some of their easy sessions as a method of communication and of testing observation.
- 4-6 years of professional coaching and/or waxing preferred.
- Foreign language skills are a plus.
TO APPLY
Find the full job description and application here.

U.S. Ski Team head coach Matt Whitcomb (right) and Julia Kern course-side during the 4 x 5 k mixed relay amidst the 2021-2022 World Cup Finals in Falun, SWE. (Photo: NordicFocus)
June 14, 2023
US Ski and Snowboard 2023-23 World Cup Criterion Announcement
Dear Cross Country Community,

The 2023-24 Cross Country World Cup Selection Criterion has been approved by the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Cross Country Sport

Committee and can be found here:

https://usskiandsnowboard.org/sport-programs/criteria/cross-country-world-cup-criteria

A few notes about the updated criterion and the Canmore and Minneapolis World Cups:
- We have removed the criteria that allows for an athlete ranked in the top-50 WC Overall to proceed to the next period of World Cup. The athlete must be ranked in the top-30 (women) or top-40 (men) in either the distance cup or the sprint cup to be selected to ensure that the athlete is strong enough in a particular discipline to occupy a valuable start quota position.
Canmore and Minneapolis World Cups
- The USA has a max quota of 12 men and 12 women per race in Canmore & Minneapolis.
  - 2 of these 12 athletes must be U23s or younger.
  - Athletes will qualify either for sprints or distance races or both.
  - We’ll likely have over 30 unique USA athletes in each venue.
  - SuperTour leaders can start every race (must be included in the 12).
- Final entries (specific athlete and staff names) are due 2 weeks prior to Canmore.
  - We can’t back out of rooms without financial penalty inside 2 weeks.
  - We pay per person (not room) 125 CHF/day/person double occupancy.
  - It is possible to live at home in Minneapolis. I need to know way in advance. Preliminary entries, without names but including specific room numbers, are due 8 weeks in advance.
- As Team USA, we’ll work as one big coaching, service, and medical team.
  - Group size will likely be close to 60 persons. Communication and advance planning will be imperative!
  - We’ll circulate important health protocols prior to travel that we need every athlete and staff member to follow closely to protect your ability to ski to your potential.
  - Athletes are required to race in a U.S. Ski Team race suit. We’ll provide them.
  - This is going to be an incredible opportunity to showcase our talented athletes on our home stage and will be really fun.
  - Questions? grover@usskiandsnowboard.org +1 435 640 8545
May 23, 2023
US Team Announces the Team for World Cup Period 4
Dear Cross Country Community,

We are pleased to announce the USA Cross Country Team for World Cup Period 4 of the 2022-23 season:

Julia Kern skis to 23rd in the 30 k classic at the Holmenkollen in Oslo, NOR. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Holmenkollen 50 km F Mass Start

Men
- Zanden McMullen Objective SuperTour Leader
- Scott Patterson Objective 23^rd World Cup Distance
- Ben Ogden Objective 34^th World Cup Distance
- Gus Schumacher Discretion 18^th Davos 20 km F
- David Norris Discretion 1^st American Birkie
- Hunter Wonders Discretion 24^th Planica WSC 30 km Skiathlon
- Johnny Hagenbuch Alternate 1^st World University Games 30 km F
Women
- Hailey Swirbul Objective SuperTour Leader
- Jessie Diggins Objective 2^nd World Cup Distance
- Rosie Brennan Objective 8^th World Cup Distance
- Julia Kern Objective 12^th Overall World Cup
- Alayna Sonnesyn Objective 44^th Overall World Cup
- Sophia Laukli Objective 46^th Overall World Cup
- Novie McCabe Discretion 25^th Ruka 10 + 20 km Pursuit
- Sydney Palmer-Leger Alternate 20^th Planica WSC 15 km Skiathlon
Julia Kern and Jessie Diggins race in the fourth quarterfinal in Drammen, finishing first and second in the heat. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Drammen Sprint C and Lahti Sprint C

Men
- Zanden McMullen Objective SuperTour Leader
- Ben Ogden Objective 9^th World Cup Sprint
- JC Schoonmaker Objective 25^th World Cup Sprint
- Kevin Bolger Objective 32^nd World Cup Sprint
- Zak Ketterson Discretion 17^th Val di Fiemme Sprint C
- Luke Jager Discretion 25^th Lillehammer Sprint F
- Logan Diekmann Alternate 27^th Toblach Sprint F
Women
- Hailey Swirbul Objective SuperTour Leader
- Julia Kern Objective 6^th World Cup Sprint
- Jessie Diggins Objective 9^th World Cup Sprint
- Rosie Brennan Objective 13^th World Cup Sprint
- Alayna Sonnesyn Objective 44^th Overall World Cup
- Sammy Smith Discretion 8^th World Junior Champs Sprint C
Rosie Brennan leads the American team during a 10 k individual start classic in Lahti, FIN in 2022. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Falun 10 km C and Lahti 20 km C Mass Start

Men
- Zanden McMullen Objective SuperTour Leader
- Scott Patterson Objective 23^rd World Cup Distance
- Ben Ogden Objective 34^th World Cup Distance
- Hunter Wonders Discretion 11^th Oberstdorf 10 km C
- Gus Schumacher Discretion 15^th Oberstdorf 10 km C
- Zak Ketterson Discretion 31^st Ruka 10 km C
Women
- Hailey Swirbul Objective SuperTour Leader
- Jessie Diggins Objective 2^nd World Cup Distance
- Rosie Brennan Objective 8^th World Cup Distance
- Julia Kern Objective 12^th Overall World Cup
- Sophia Laukli Discretion 29^th Beitostølen 10 km C
- Sydney Palmer-Leger Discretion 8^th U23 Champs 20 km C
- Novie McCabe Discretion 14^th U23 Champs 20 km C
- Alayna Sonnesyn Alternate 1^st Wirth SuperTour 20 km C
USA I takes the win in Falun’s 4 x 5 k mixed relay in 2022. From left to right, Scott Patterson, Rosie Brennan, Zak Ketterson, and Jessie Diggins. (Photo: NordicFocus)

Falun Sprint F and Tallin Sprint F

Men
- Zanden McMullen Objective SuperTour Leader
- Ben Ogden Objective 9^th World Cup Sprint
- JC Schoonmaker Objective 25^th World Cup Sprint
- Kevin Bolger Objective 32^nd World Cup Sprint
- Zak Ketterson Discretion 17^th Val di Fiemme Sprint C
- Luke Jager Discretion 25^th Lillehammer Sprint F
- Logan Diekmann Alternate 27^th Toblach Sprint F
Women
- Hailey Swirbul Objective SuperTour Leader
- Julia Kern Objective 6^th World Cup Sprint
- Jessie Diggins Objective 9^th World Cup Sprint
- Rosie Brennan Objective 13^th World Cup Sprint
- Alayna Sonnesyn Discretion 24^th Livigno Sprint F
- Lauren Jortberg Discretion 29^th Livigno Sprint F
- Sammy Smith Discretion 8^th World Junior Champs Sprint C
- Novie McCabe Alternate 2^ndS. Nationals Sprint F
The above discretionary selections were nominated by a 15-person working group that includes:
- James Southam Athlete Rep
- Ida Sargent Athlete Rep
- Cami Thompson-Graves Senior Club Coach
- Leo Hipp Senior Club Coach
- Andy Newell Senior Club Coach
- Erik Flora Senior Club Coach
- Pepa Miloucheva Senior Club Coach
- Perry Thomas Senior Club Coach
- Chris Mallory Senior Club Coach
- Dan Weiland Senior Club Coach
- Dragan Danevski Senior Club Coach
- Chris Grover USST
- Matt Whitcomb USST
- Jason Cork USST
- Kristen Bourne USST
The nominations were then approved by a discretionary selection review group comprised of:
- Kelsey Phinney S. Ski & Snowboard Athlete Rep
- Anouk Patty S. Ski & Snowboard Chief of Sport
- Bryan Fish S. Ski & Snowboard Development Director
As always, if you have questions or concerns about this process, feel free to contact me directly.

Sincerely,

Chris Grover

Cross Country Program Director, U.S. Ski Team

chris.grover@usskiandsnowboard.org
February 28, 2023
2023 Cross Country World Ski Championships Team Announced
U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced the 18 athletes of the U.S. Cross Country Ski Team that will compete at the 2023 FIS Cross Country World Ski Championships in Planica, Slovenia, Feb. 22 – March 6, 2023.

Jessie Diggins (USA) competing in the 2021 FIS World Cross Country Ski Championships in Oberstdorf, Germany. Diggins will be one of the team veterans leading the charge at the upcoming 2023 World Championships in Planica, Slovenia. (Photo: Nordic Focus)

The 2023 World Championships will take place in the Julian Alps at the Planica Festival Arena, a venue that features both cross country and ski jumping venues. Throughout the 12 days of competition, more than 2,500 athletes and staff members from more than 60 countries will be present.

“We are very excited to bring this group of talented athletes to the World Championships in Planica,” said U.S. Cross Country Program Director, Chris Grover. “We will be arriving at the World Championships with a lot of momentum after finishing the previous period of World Cup with multiple podiums and a ranking of third overall in the World Cup Nation’s Cup. We also will be bringing a very experienced and knowledgeable staff that is dedicated to helping these athletes achieve peak performances at the Championships. Planica has been one of our favorite venues over the years and we are really looking forward to coming back to the Julian Alps.”

Perennial contender, Rosie Brennan (USA) approaches the 2023 World Championships riding a wave of momentum that sees her ranked fourth in the current overall World Cup standings. (Photo: Modica/NordicFocus)

For the women, three-time Olympic medalist and four-time World Championship medalist Jessie Diggins, who has landed on the podium seven times in the 2022-23 season alone, leads the women’s team. Along with Diggins are veteran Rosie Brennan, who had a career-best Tour de Ski finish in fourth place overall and several top-10 results; Julia Kern who has nine top-10 finishes this season alone; and Olympians Hailey Swirbul, Novie McCabe, and Sophia Laukli. New to the World Championship roster is young but talented athletes Alayna Sonnesyn and Sydney Palmer-Leger.

Teammates Ben Ogden and JC Schoonmaker after completing the Team Sprint in Beijing. They will be two of the young Americans representing the USA in the 2023 FIS World Cross Country Skiing Championships in Planica, Slovenia. (Photo: Nat Hertz)

On the men’s side, Ben Ogden leads the charge. Ogden has found abundant success in the 2022-23 season, highlighted by a 13th-place finish at the Tour de Ski – the best-ever finish by a U.S. male. 2022 Winter Olympians Scott Patterson, JC Schoonmaker, Kevin Bolger, Luke Jager, and Gus Schumacher made the roster after finding their speed among the strong World Cup field. Zak Ketterson, Hunter Wonders, Johnny Hagenbuch, and David Norris will also travel to Slovenia; Patterson, Schumacher, and Wonders have consistently scored World Cup points throughout the 2022-23 season.

Planica will host six races, each playing to the various individual strengths of the U.S. team. The classic sprint on Feb. 23 will kick it off, followed by the men’s and women’s skiathlon on the 24th and 25th, the team sprint on Feb. 26, women’s 10k freestyle on Feb 28, men’s 15k on March 1, women’s 4x5k team relay on March 2, and the men’s 4x10k relay March 3. The World Champs will culminate with the 30k and 50k classic mass start on March 4 and 5.

All events will stream LIVE on the skiandsnowboard.live platform, with live commentary from five-time Winter Olympian Kikkan Randall and Chad Samela, who is known for his “HERE COMES DIGGINS” call at the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Jessie Diggins and Team USA after her Olympic silver medal performance in the 30 k mass start skate in Zhangjiakou, China. American skiing is known for team unity and mutual support, traits likely to be on display at the 2023 World Championships in Planica, Slovenia. (Photo: NordicFocus)

2023 FIS CROSS COUNTRY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS TEAM

(Name, hometown, ski club/school, birthday, past World Championship teams)

*Denotes first World Championships team

Women
- Rosie Brennan (Anchorage, Alaska; Alaska Pacific University Ski Nordic Center; 12/21/88; 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021)
- Jessie Diggins (Afton, Minn.; Stratton Mountain School Elite Team; 8/26/91; 2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021)
- Julia Kern (Waltham, Mass.; Stratton Mountain School Elite Team; 9/12/97; 2019, 2021)
- Sophia Laukli (Yarmouth, Maine; University of Utah; 6/8/00; 2021)
- Hailey Swirbul (Aspen, Colo.; Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Center; 7/10/98; 2021)
- *Novie McCabe (Winthrop, Wash.; Methow Valley Nordic Team/University of Utah; 12/15/01)
- *Alayna Sonnesyn (Stratton, Vt.; Stratton Mountain School, 6/22/96)
- *Sydney Palmer-Leger (Park City, Utah; Stratton Mountain School/University of Utah; 2/4/2002)
Men
- Ben Ogden (Landgrove, Vt.; Stratton Mountain School Elite Team/University of Vermont; 2/13/00; 2021)
- Scott Patterson (Anchorage, Alaska; Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Center; 1/28/92; 2019, 2021)
- JC Schoonmaker (Tahoe City, Calif; Sugar Bowl Ski Team and Academy; 8/12/00; 2021)
- Kevin Bolger (Minocqua, Wisc.; Sun Valley Gold Team; 4/11/93; 2019, 2021)
- Hunter Wonders (Anchorage, Alaska; Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Center; 8/7/98; 2021)
- David Norris (Fairbanks, Alaska; Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club; 12/12/90; 2019, 2021)
- Gus Schumacher (Anchorage, Alaska; Alaska Winter Stars; 7/25/00; 2021)
- *Luke Jager (Anchorage, Alaska; Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Center/University of Utah; 1/17/00)
- *Zak Ketterson (Bloomington, Minn; Team Birkie 4/2/97)
- *Johnny Hagenbuch (Ketchum, ID.; Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation, 10/1/01)
COMPETITION SCHEDULE

2023 FIS Cross Country Ski World Championships—Planica, Slovenia

Thursday, Feb. 23

6:00 a.m. ET – Sprint Qualification, Classic, Men’s and Women’s

8:30 a.m. ET – Sprint Finals, Classic, Men’s and Women’s

Friday, Feb. 24

9:30 a.m. ET – 30k Skiathlon, Classic/Skate, Men’s

Saturday, Feb. 25

8:00 a.m. ET – 15k Skiathlon, Classic/Skate, Women’s

Sunday, Feb. 26

5:30 a.m. ET – Team Sprint, Skate, Men’s and Women’s

Tuesday, Feb. 28

6:30 a.m. ET – 10k, Skate, Women’s

Wednesday, March 1

6:30 a.m. ET – 15k, Skate, Men’s

Thursday, March 2

6:30 a.m. ET – 4x5k Relay, Classic/Skate, Women’s

Friday, March 3

6:30 a.m. ET – 4x10k Relay, Classic/Skate, Men’s

Saturday, March 4

6:00 a.m. ET – 30k, Classic, Women’s

Sunday, March 5

6:00 a.m. ET – 50k, Classic, Men’s
February 10, 2023