Having spent five years coaching with the Telluride Ski and Snowboard Club, Kirk Davis has become a recognized figure among Telluride’s youth snowboarders. This season, the TSSC has not only kept Davis in the role of head snowboard coach but has also broadened his responsibilities to include that of program director, a role in which […]
Having spent five years coaching with the Telluride Ski and Snowboard Club, Kirk Davis has become a recognized figure among Telluride’s youth snowboarders. This season, the TSSC has not only kept Davis in the role of head snowboard coach but has also broadened his responsibilities to include that of program director, a role in which Davis has various aspirations.
“I aim to enhance communication with families, and I would love to see the kids getting more opportunities to travel,” Davis mentioned. “Traveling can really broaden kids’ perspectives, plus it allows them to compete with other athletes and forge new friendships. They might face the same competitors repeatedly in Telluride, but when they go to Aspen, they encounter twenty additional competitors, which opens their minds to new possibilities.”
Not as specialized as the other TSSC programs, snowboarders participate in five different competitions – slalom, giant slalom, boarder cross, half-pipe, and slopestyle. Davis also acknowledges the unique traits of snowboarders and aspires to develop their culture distinctly from the larger framework of the club.
“Kids who snowboard are deeply connected to the culture,” Davis remarked. “Their experiences are vastly different from those of skiers. It’s vital for them to feel part of something that they can connect with, which is not only cool but also offers a valuable learning opportunity.”
Perhaps Davis understands the essence of snowboarders as he is one himself. Originally from Larkspur, Colo., he attended college in Glenwood Springs but spent more time on the slopes than hitting the books. Initially, he began teaching to secure a pass, but discovered his talent for sharing his enthusiasm and essential insights with others in a meaningful way.
“I never really viewed myself as a coach, but there was this moment at Mt. Hood on the pipe when a pro athlete approached me, frustrated with trying to land a trick,” Davis recounted. “I offered him a couple of tips, and he nailed the trick. He suggested I should consider coaching, and I suppose that was a pivotal moment.”
TSSC Executive Director Justin Chandler and Davis’s mentor John Jett both recognize Davis’s inherent coaching ability and believe he contributes more than a discerning eye to the program.
“Kirk earned his position for numerous reasons,” Chandler explained. “He’s been involved with the kids from the outset and has been prepared by program founder John Jett to take the reins as John steps back. The feedback about Kirk from staff, parents, and kids has been overwhelmingly positive. When so many parents reach out with praise, it indicates something is working well.”
This summer, Davis is also focused on building the right coaching staff, which will consist of entirely new recruits.
“One of my most valuable resources will be a stellar staff, and my priority this summer has been to put that team together,” he stated. “It’s crucial to me that the coaches embody a sense of fun while having a solid understanding of fundamentals and the patience to impart them. Some may be athletes who have graduated through the program and possess a passion for teaching.”
Ultimately, however, Davis understands that the true essence of the club lies in the experiences each young athlete gains.
