Insight from Brenna Kelleher on Her PSIA-AASI National Team Experience

The 2024 PSIA-AASI National Team Selection process is well underway, with top candidates from across the country preparing to head to Big Sky, Montana, Sunday, April 21, through Friday, April 26, for the final, on-snow selection event.

The PSIA-AASI National Team is made up of the top ski and snowboard instructors from across the country. These professionals are some of the best skiers and riders in the game, and they are inspirational educators and lifelong learners. Every four years, tryouts are held to choose a new team to represent the association following a rigorous selection process.

In Wednesday’s post, PSIA-AASI Director of Education Dave Schuiling provided an overview of the years of dedication and commitment each instructor invests in even considering trying out for one of the highly coveted roster spots.

Here, PSIA Alpine Team member Brenna Kelleher shares insight and highlights from her team experience.

Q: When did you decide you wanted to try out for the team, and what did you understand about what it would take to actually make it happen?

A: My first term I didn’t really understand what it was, but I was good at teaching people and providing great experiences and I knew I wanted to do more with the organization. I had left ski racing and felt an emptiness and void that needed to be filled. I knew I needed and wanted to be part of a new community and help provide great experiences, as well as learn more about myself and continue to be pushed.

Q: What would you share about the application process?

A: It’s a lot of work! Kidding aside, the application process was the one aspect that almost made me not want to try out! But I knew if I wanted to be part of the team it was going to involve a lot of work, so it was a good first test.

It included a writing piece, a letter of intent or cover letter, a video about me and what makes me who I am, a quick tip video, my resume, and an outline for “my article,” which was the weird one for me because I wasn’t quite clear on exactly what the examiners were looking for on that first tryout.

Q: How much work does it take to even consider this as an option in your career?

A: A lot of commitment and time away from your family, your home hill, and your current resort and job. Knowing that to fully be present as a team member requires sacrifices in other aspects of your life and that you need to spend time on the road is paramount to having the right mindset to be successful at this.

Q: How did you prepare and what are some of the key things you learned about yourself in the process?

A: I did a lot of functional fitness activities and workouts, as well as running. I also taught as much as I could, as that is the job. Understanding how to be a great teacher is critical and the best way to do that is to be out on the hill with people. Good teaching means that you are learning from your students as well.

Q: Highlights along the way? Or lows?

A: Highs: Interski and being a leader and part of a great community. Making sure people feel heard and valued.

Lows: Not being able to make it out on the road more or missing out on some booking that I still haven’t been able to make it to. I wish there was three of me. I love getting on the road and working with people.

Q: What’s it feel like to actually make it?

A: Maybe feeling wise in the moment? Although I blush very easily, when my name was called I got pretty hot and red-faced. Haha, there are no other words for it.

Q: Top takeaways from being on the team the last three years?