Courses
Hometown:
Strawberry, California
Primary Sport & Specialty:
Alpine Skiing
Sports background:
Soccer, volleyball, basketball
Other interests:
I love road biking, hiking, camping, paddle boarding, fishing, playing guitar, and playing other sports! Anything outdoors really!
Your favorite thing about skiing:
My favorite thing about skiing is the free feeling you get when you’re in the mountains ripping with your friends! My favorite thing about ski racing is the adrenaline rush you get in the start gate followed by the feeling of accomplishment when you cross the finish line.
What has your sport taught you?
This sport has taught me hard work, discipline, time management, sportsmanship, and so much more.
What inspires/motivates you?
My mom inspires me to work hard to achieve my goals. My mom is the hardest working person I know, her and my dad have worked day and night to give my brothers and I the things we have today, and I am so thankful for that. My parents have taught me that with hard work, anything is possible.
Favorite power fuel of choice:
I start each day with overnight oats that I prepared the night before; with chia seeds, flax seeds, nut butter, berries, coconut, and honey. I find breakfast to be the most important meal of the day as it really sets the tone and energy for the rest of the day. I try to choose breakfast items that will provide me with fuel for the whole day.
Favorite workout or exercise:
My favorite workouts are strength endurance, which are a series of strength exercises done simultaneously with little rest in between reps or sets. These workouts are extremely hard, but I love the feeling of accomplishment after. I find strength endurance extremely beneficial for ski racing because the muscles are working under fatigue which is similar to the last few turns of a race. I think a lot can be gained or lost in the last portion of a race and that can be decided by how your muscles perform under fatigue.
Your most valuable mental skill and why:
The ability to bounce back after a bad result or tough day. I try to use the tough experiences as a chance to learn and improve instead of being defeated.
Favorite ski resort in the US:
Squaw Valley
Favorite race venue in the world:
Dog Leg at Squaw Valley
My Advice to Jr Athletes:
My advice to young athletes would be to GO FREESKIING! Freeskiing is just as important as training, it makes you a better skier, and also builds the specific muscles necessary for skiing. I would also tell young athletes as they get older to pay attention to the details, the small things are what separates someone who is good from someone who is great.
My Motto:
"Be where your feet are."
Follow Keely on Insta:
@keely_cashman