Everybody do your snow dance! The THS Nordic Team is almost halfway through the season. For many students, THS Nordic has been a fun and engaging way to get outdoors and move during the winter. Our Nordic team is open to all ranges of abilities and welcomes everyone from those who have minimal skiing experience to those who ski for club teams in the area. Over the past few decades, THS boys and girls Nordic teams have achieved the state championship and shone as forces out on the trails.

We believe that every team owes a large part of its success to those at the helm. The coaches of THS Nordic have created a positive team culture that encourages growth and fun for kids participating in one of the hardest sports out there! Any people who can make it fun to essentially ski up what most people ski down deserve some kudos– and we all could use some pointers on how they did it. With that in mind, let’s learn some more about the exceptional coaching staff of our Nordic team. What is their story? Why do they coach nordic? And how do they manage to nurture kids when participating in what has widely been deemed the most difficult winter endurance sport?

Mary Ellen Benier:

Mary Ellen is the head coach of the Truckee High School Nordic Team, However she is more than just a coach. Mary Ellen has been an environmental educational guide for more than 10 years and has been a substitute teacher in local districts for grades k-12. She is an amazing woman that loves skiing, running, and biking. She enjoys sharing her passion with her fellow Nordic Team athletes and inspiring them to work hard and enjoy skiing. We have asked Mary Ellen about her journey becoming the High School Nordic coach. 

Jillian: What inspired you to coach Nordic at Truckee High?

Coach Mary Ellen: “I coach because I really enjoy high school students and I really enjoy being outside. Mostly because it’s fun.”

Jillian: What is your favorite thing about Truckee High’s Nordic team?

Coach Mary Ellen: “The banter, the talking, the conversation, the enthusiasm, the willingness to try new things, the situation where they have to endure something that’s not so pleasant and feeling super satisfied afterwards.”

Jillian: How long have you been coaching?

Coach Mary Ellen: “At least 20 years” 

Jillian: What advice would you give any coach who wants to make their team a more positive environment?

Coach Mary Ellen: “Be a good listener and encourage kids to get out of their comfort zone.” 

Caroline Dezendorf:

Coach Caroline Dezendorf, also known as Ms. D to her biology students during school, is a woman of countless talents. A marine biology enthusiast and teacher, professional biker, and avid nordic skier, she has harnessed the power of endurance sports to bring people together and bring joy to lives (a fairly contradictory statement.) We decided to ask Coach Caroline about her background and her take on how other coaches can nurture the best environment for their athletes.

Aili: What inspired you to coach Nordic at Truckee High? 

Coach Caroline: “I really like coaching sports and I really like endurance sports in particular because you see a different side of your students. Students really come out of their shells and gain confidence and friendships that they wouldn’t necessarily have in class, and it’s just a really fun way to connect with students in a positive environment.”

Aili: What is your favorite thing about Truckee High’s Nordic team?

Coach Caroline: “It’s a really great group of athletes! Everyone is so positive and encouraging and really fun to be around.”

Aili: What advice would you give any coach who wants to make their team a more positive environment?

Coach Caroline: “Build relationships. Don’t focus on results, focus on the process and building a supportive community where everyone feels motivated to do their best.”

Athlete Testimonies: 

Mary Ellen Benier and Caroline Dezendorf have successfully nurtured another generation of Truckee High Nordic athletes to excel both on the trails and as teammates to each other. Under their guidance,