Name: Corey Jackson
Class of: 2011
Discipline with JHSC: Freeride Program
How does your experience with JHSC affect you today, if at all?
It affects me every day, in a positive way. I felt like a loner until joining the team. Day one the athletes treated me like family and without that I don’t know where I would be.
How old were you when you joined JHSC?
I began training with the Freeride Program when I was 12 years old.
How long were you a part of JHSC?
I was a part of the Freeride Program through my Senior year. ~ 6-7 years.
In three sentences or less, explain your entire experience with the club.
I would not change a single experience about my time with the Jackson Hole Freeride Program. The coaching and leadership established is unparalleled to any other option in the valley. Trust and communication with my coaches were my two biggest concerns at the time, and the staff went above my expectations. I am not lying when I say, “The Freeride Program helped shape me into the person I am today.”
If you were to do it all over again, what would you do differently?
If I were to start over and join the team again for the first time, I would be better about applying for scholarships. I always felt the burden of travel costs so when a scholarship would roll in, it would change my perspective and let me realize that people believe in me and my goals! Apply, apply, apply!
What was the most fun part of being with the club?
Meeting like-minded people, some of whom are still my best friends to this day!
What do you do now?
After High School, I moved to Park City to be a coach for Park City Ski and Snowboard. I worked there for a few years and loved giving back to the Ski community. I even attended the 2018 Olympics as a Coach for Ireland. I now live back in Teton Valley, brewing and distributing for Teatonic Kombucha.
What skills did you learn while competing that apply to life outside of the club?
How to calm nerves, think smart and logically, with the intent to ski the following day. I remember one of my coaches saying in the start gate, “It’s not about the result, it’s about how big the smile is on your face at the bottom.” Another one was, “Failure is success in progress” - I relate to this one every single day of my life.
What is your all-time favorite memory of JHSC?
My favorite memory of JHSC was being 13 and traveling with the “Big Kids.” Looking back on it now, I owe it all to those who put up with me [laughs].
If you knew a kid that was thinking about becoming a part of the club, why do you think should they join?
If you are on edge about joining the club, or have a kid thinking about it, SIGN UP! This experience changed my life. It gave me purpose and it felt awesome to be a part of something much larger than myself!
Anything to add?
I have to give a shout out to Rob LaPier, Matt Lancaster, Jeff Moran, Brian James, Eric Flurry, Trevor Hiatt. You guys helped shaped me into the man I am today!
