We now spotlight Hadley Prewitt of Marshwood. She was the 2024 Class A Giant Slalom and Slalom state champion. She also won the SMAA GS and Slalom Championships. We asked her about the state meet, her favorite moment, and more.
1) What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?
I train on the weekends with Mount Washington Valley Ski Team, ski whenever I can, and go to the gym.
2) How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?
I typically don’t feel much pressure for races anymore, however, I try to talk to my friends because they are always able to calm me down and make me laugh.
3) What was going through your mind at the starting gate?
I try to think back to inspection and remember the parts of the course that I know I need to focus on. I also make sure to go through my list of motions/drills that will benefit me in the course.
4) What do you contribute your success to?
My coaches have been extremely supportive throughout my entire high school career and I think they have definitely been a huge contributor. My friends, family, and teammates are always super supportive and always know how to help me when I need it.
5) What are your goals/plans for next year?
Next year I will be attending the University of Connecticut and I will ski on their club ski team.
6) What surprised you the most about this season?
The improvements that Marshwood Ski Team made this year was amazing. We split from York/Traip Ski Team due to the growing program, had a new head coach, assistant coach, and had many new athletes. Everyone was always looking for ways to improve on and off the hill and it was very fun to see the progress of the Marshwood Ski Team.
7) What moment/event will you remember the most from the season?
There were a couple of times this season where either myself or other teammates did not place where we would have liked after first run. In particular, during the slalom race at state championships, I had to hike, so I ended up being a couple of seconds behind the leader. When my teammates and coaches found out, the amount of support and encouragement I received was inspiring. My teammates and coaches knew that these races were important to me and knew exactly how to comfort me and encourage me to put my everything out on the course. The constant support from teammates and coaches is always so comforting when put in a position like this.
8) What do you like most about Alpine Skiing?
I love the connections with friends and family that I have made. Each year I get so many opportunities to ski with friends and family and I always make the best memories.
