My Experience at USCSA Nationals in Lake Placid, New York

Christine Rahal

James Madison University

I had the opportunity to travel to Lake Placid, New York, for USCSA Nationals this past March. Going into the week, I was excited to travel, compete, and spend time with my teammates. Everyone had dedicated themselves all season to prepare and qualify, so it was finally time to show all of our hard work.

One of the biggest highlights of the week was getting the opportunity to light the torch during the opening ceremony. After each team was announced and their athletes walked into the rink, I entered with the other two student-athlete representatives, Tanner Rozek and Piper Chimento. Once the torch was lit, it really felt like Nationals had officially started. It was such a surreal feeling seeing all of the teams cheering together and celebrating the start of the week. It was an honor to be trusted with such an important part of the opening ceremony, and I am really proud that I got to help continue the tradition. Lake Placid has so much history in the Olympic world, so being able to stand there as a student-athlete representative and be part of such an important USCSA tradition was something I will never forget. At the same time, I think what I will remember most about Nationals is the people and the overall atmosphere.

My favorite part of USCSA is the sense of community and how athletes come together and get to know each other, even while competing in such a competitive environment. Throughout the regular season, I got to meet, interact with, and build relationships with so many other athletes in the Southeast Division. I consider many of these athletes to be not only competitors, but also friends. To then see each other qualify and travel to Nationals, where we could support each other and meet athletes from other regions, was really rewarding.

One memory from a race that meant a lot to me happened toward the end of the week. We had very cold and icy conditions, so when it was time for the Snowboard Giant Slalom competition, the course was difficult and technical. I remember being so nervous standing at the top of the start gate with my teammates, not knowing how I would do on a course this challenging. As soon as I reached the finish corral, Nicole Yoos from Lees-McRae College was the first person to run over, give me a hug, and tell me good job. Since all of my teammates were still at the top of the course, it meant a lot to have a friend there waiting for me at the bottom. It was a small moment from the week, but it meant so much to me and reminded me of how supportive the USCSA community is.

Seeing everyone's excitement and dedication was really motivating for me, both as an athlete and as a student-athlete representative. As an athlete, I want to continue working harder and learning new skills. As a student-athlete representative, I want every athlete to feel welcomed, encouraged, and comfortable growing and trying something new. Every athlete in USCSA understands how difficult it can be to balance school, training, competitions, and everything else that comes with being a college student. That shared experience is something that brings us all together.

Nationals was a great way to finish the season, but it also gave me a chance to appreciate everything that comes with being a college athlete. The friendships, competition, challenges, and memories are all a huge part of the experience. For me, Nationals was more than just the final competition of the season. It was a reminder of why I love this sport and how lucky I am to be part of a community of student-athletes who are all chasing the same passion in their own way. From lighting the torch on the Olympic Rink to competing alongside friends and meeting athletes from across the country, Nationals in Lake Placid gave me memories that I will carry with me long after the season is over.