Joey Lynn Graham

CSIA Level III (on Level IV pathway), ACA PL Certified, ACA Coach Developer for EL/DL, on Master Developer Pathway, SKI NS Coach Education Director and Manager for High Performance Athletes, WSRC Coach Education

If you had told me years ago that skiing would take me through racing, coaching, teaching, athletic therapy, course development, and eventually into leadership with Ski NS, I probably would have laughed.

But here we are!

My story really starts with being a ski racer. I loved the competition, the challenge, the friendships, the early mornings, the travel — even the cold days when you wondered why you were standing outside in ski boots! Somewhere along the way, skiing became more than something I did. It became a big part of who I am.

That passion naturally led me into coaching. I’ve spent more than 20 years working with athletes, from grassroots programs to national and FIS events. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some incredible athletes, coaches, families and volunteers, and I’ve learned something from every one of them.

Over the years, I’ve worn a lot of hats: racer, coach, teacher, course developer, mentor, administrator, and Executive Director. Each one has given me a different perspective on our sport.

But the funny thing is, after all these years, I still get excited about skiing.

I still love watching an athlete have that breakthrough run. I love a great training day. I love talking skiing with people. And I still enjoy standing at the top of a run thinking, “Okay… let’s see what happens!”

That’s probably the biggest reason I’m here.

I care about the sport, the people in it, and where we can take it next. I believe skiing can develop great athletes, but even more importantly, it can help create good humans.

So, how did I get here?

A love of skiing, a lot of time on the hill, some great people along the way — and a passion that never really went away.