Steamboat Coaches Wolk and Paul Earn Top Honors from Rocky Mountain Division

Pess Release provided by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, Photo Chad Wolk and Joe Paul

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. — U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Rocky Mountain Division honored two Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC) coaches with Coach of the Year awards in two key categories. Chad Wolk, FIS/PG alpine head coach, earned the RMD Ability Coach of the Year award, while Joe Paul, U14 alpine head coach, took home the RMD Age Class Coach of the Year honor.

Coaches Across the Region Voted

Several weeks ago, coaches from across the division submitted nominations and cast votes for the annual awards. The Rocky Mountain Division announced the results on April 28, 2025.

Wolk and Paul Drive Athlete Success and Culture

“We’re incredibly proud to celebrate two of our outstanding coaches, Chad Wolk and Joe Paul, who earned Coach of the Year honors from the Rocky Mountain Division,” said SSWSC alpine program director Tyler Shepherd. “In his first season leading the FIS/PG program, Chad made an immediate impact—guiding athletes like Jeremy Nolting and Logan Grosdidier to meet U.S. Ski Team criteria and deliver standout performances at the World Junior Ski Championships.”

“Chad also created a strong and positive team culture that lifted the entire program. At the same time, Joe Paul, our head U14 coach, had a phenomenal season, with 17 of our 22 U14 athletes qualifying for the Rocky Central Championships. Joe’s dedication extends beyond our club—he actively supports ski racing at the divisional and national levels. We’re lucky to have such passionate, high-performing coaches leading our athletes.”

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RMD Supports Growth for Young Skiers

The Rocky Mountain Division of U.S. Ski & Snowboard serves athletes from eight states across the Southern Rockies. Since its founding in the 1970s, the division has built a legacy of excellence. Through high-level programming and strong athlete support, RMD continues to create opportunities for young skiers to grow both athletically and personally.

Peers Recognize Coaching Excellence

“Fellow coaches selected these winners from one of the most competitive divisions in the nation, which makes this recognition even more meaningful,” said Darlene Nolting, U.S. Ski & Snowboard Rocky/Central Region development director. “These awards reflect outstanding coaching and the deep respect both coaches have earned from their peers—one of the highest honors in our sport.”

About SSWSC

Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC) delivers sports and youth development programs for more than 1,200 athletes in Steamboat Springs. SSWSC believes in the power of sport to develop life skills and character. Its mission is to create champions on and off the mountain by fostering personal growth through athletics. The club’s vision is to be the nation’s model community youth sports organization, inspiring each athlete to reach their full personal and athletic potential.

SSWSC alumni include Olympians, NCAA champions, collegiate scholars, CEOs, and community leaders. The club offers programs in alpine, cross country, freestyle, freeskiing, Nordic combined, jumping, snowboarding, backcountry education, strength and conditioning, cycling, and skateboarding. Founded in 1914, SSWSC stands as one of North America’s most historic and successful winter sports clubs. Over more than a century, it has served tens of thousands of athletes, including 100 Olympians who have earned 19 Olympic medals. U.S. Ski & Snowboard has recognized SSWSC as Club of the Year five times—more than any other club in the country. Learn more at www.sswsc.org.