We are thrilled to announce that Kyle Penny will be rejoining NYSEF as FIS Alpine Men’s Coach at Whiteface. Penny will be working alongside Head FIS Alpine Men’s Coach, Thomas Vonn to support the athletes. In this position, he will work with Vonn to deliver a high-quality competitive program to FIS athletes, coordinate training schedules, manage equipment and support the overall goals of the alpine program.

“We’re so excited to have Kyle back at Whiteface joining our FIS staff,” said John Norton, NYSEF Executive Director. “Having worked with us in the past, Kyle is very familiar with our community and having him rejoin the team will certainly be great for the program.”

In 2019, Penny joined NYSEF as U14 Alpine Coach – working with James (Jimbo) Johnston and NYSEF’s Winter Term Program. Penny has been a part of the ski racing community longer than his role at NYSEF. He skied at Green Mountain Valley School (GMVS) and graduated in 2014. At GMVS, Penny gained a passion beyond being an athlete and wanted to be a part of ski programs that developed his foundation as a winter sport enthusiast at an early age. He began coaching soon after graduation for the Ski Roundtop Race Club (located in Lewisberry, PA) working with athletes from U14 – U19 level and managing the on hill operations. At Roundtop, Penny began learning the skills and gaining the certifications and confidence to make him a qualified coach. 

In 2020, Penny began a position with Stratton Mountain School (SMS) as Assistant Men’s FIS Coach and Equipment Manager. During his time at SMS, he began to focus on the technical aspects of the sport to support the athletes’ equipment needs – something both Head Men’s FIS Coach, Vonn and Penny share. “I am looking forward to coming back into the NYSEF family this summer…at the end of this season, we were able to race at Whiteface…I instantly felt a sense of community – I felt like I was back home,” Penny said.

When discussing working with Vonn, Penny said, “his experience and success with Olympic and World Cup athletes – privately and on the US Ski Team, makes me most excited about this position… learning from Vonn and growing in my own coaching career.” Over the last 2 years, the FIS Men’s group at NYSEF has grown – from athletes taking a postgraduate year to new athletes joining the program. “The group provides a supportive team environment in an individualized sport like ski racing…I am looking forward to working with this ‘team’ of guys,” added Penny. 

Penny replaces Mens FIS Coach, Alex Shearer, who has taken on a role with Highway Rehab Corp.

“I’m excited for Kyle to be joining the FIS boys coaching staff. He will bring a ton of passion and knowledge to the program and he will have a positive impact on the group right from day one,” Vonn added regarding Penny’s hire.

This summer, Penny will be on Big Moose Lake – spending time with his girlfriend, Maris Van Slyke – recently named FIS Alpine Womens Coach and the Van Slyke family, while working at Dunn’s Boat Service. He has recently taken up running and water skiing – enjoying one of two of those activities…. “I am still trying to enjoy running,” Penny concluded. Welcome back to the team!