The New York Ski Educational Foundation (NYSEF) is pleased to announce the addition of. Van Slyke will be working alongside Head FIS Alpine Women’s Coach, Jeremy Transue. Some of her responsibilities include (but not limited to), organizing and managing training programs, providing regular feedback and evaluation to athletes and supporting the Head Coach and the overall goals of the alpine program.

“We’re very proud of all that Maris has accomplished in ski racing,” said NYSEF Executive Director, John Norton. “Having watched Maris develop as a NYSEF athlete from a young age to the FIS level and now, to have her on board as a mentor and coach is really exciting – we’re lucky to have her back.”

Van Slyke is no stranger to the world of alpine skiing – it has been a part of her life since before she could walk, having been brought into the sport by her parents, Paul, former NYSEF – Gore Program Director and current North American FIS TD Commissioner and Ingrid, a former ski coach at Gore Mountain.

“NYSEF has transformed during my time as an athlete – growing upwards from their member numbers to hosting world class events. Even when I helped out the U10/12’s during Christmas Camp, the staff had a passion and love for the sport – retaining athletes to grow within their respective programs… I believe most athletes, like me, stay in the sport and in the program because of that.” Van Slyke said. 

Born and raised in Lake Placid, Van Slyke started in the NYSEF program as a U10 and attended Northwood School (NWS) from 9th grade to 12th, adding on a Post Graduate year to ski race. In her most competitive years, her coaches, David Smith (Smitty) and Mark Archer (Speedy) sparked her interest in a career in coaching. “Smitty pushed me to get out of my comfort zone – tucking down the moguls on Parkway while Speedy focused on mental performance…their individualized approaches helped me create my own unique way to support future athletes,” Van Slyke mentioned. 

After graduating from NWS in 2016, she attended Plymouth State University (PSU) where she majored in Business Administration. During her time at PSU, she skied her freshman year but faced a season ending injury. The injury provided an opportunity to be a part of the sport she loves in another capacity, as a ski coach. “In addition to the competitive spirit the sport introduces, there is also an emphasis on camaraderie and family,” said Van Slyke. She took an alternative route to stay connected with her team and traded her ski poles for a radio to become the Assistant Coach of the PSU Ski Team. 

Following her “COVID-19 graduation” in 2020, she began working with Stratton Mountain School (SMS) as an Assistant U14 Winter Term Coach. At SMS, Van Slyke supported U14 athletes through on-hill feedback, video analysis and enjoying every day on the mountain. “It is important to have fun while getting something out of it, “ said Van Slyke. “I am honored to work with and learn from Worm, someone I have looked up to since I was an athlete… we share the same emphasis on having fun while learning from it – whether it be in the course, free skiing or off the snow.” she added. Van Slyke replaces Katie Gilligan who has moved on to work with the Custom Sync Program as the Director of Sales and Marketing. 

“I am thrilled to have Maris rejoin the NYSEF family as a coach. She brings her personal experiences as an athlete to our group of dedicated women. Her passion for hard work while maximizing improvement in a fun atmosphere will be a great addition and I am excited to get to work,” Transue said.

During the summer she and her family live on Big Moose Lake and she works at Dunn’s Boat Service with her boyfriend, Kyle Penny – recently named FIS Alpine Men’s Coach and her brother, Andrew – who will be rejoining the NYSEF Post-Graduate program. When she is not working, she is water skiing, running, fishing and working on her overall health and wellness. 

Van Slyke will be joining NYSEF in August. Welcome!