When Brooklyn Barnhorst '27, Brooke Schemmel '28, Nina Martin '28, and Reese Harrigan '28 arrived at Sugarloaf for U16 US Nationals, nerves ran high. For Reese, it was her first time on the national stage. “I was really nervous going into it,” she admitted. “Sugarloaf has an intense reputation.” But what surprised her wasn’t the hill—it was the community.

What began as a week-long high-stakes competition evolved into something much more meaningful. Over the course of seven days, these athletes didn’t just arc turns down one of the East Coast’s most challenging mountains—they carved out friendships, resilience, and perspective.

Racing With a Regional Spirit

While Sugarloaf’s Narrow Gauge presented a new challenge, the U16 Eastern team brought its own strengths: a tight-knit community and shared grit. “Some of us had raced there before during speed weeks, but most of us hadn’t,” said Nina. “Still, being from the East gave us an edge. A lot of racers from outside of New England hadn’t experienced our kind of conditions.”

The race days were anything but smooth. Weather delays pushed back every Skills Quest, GS, and Super G event by hours. The dual GS was canceled altogether. But in true ski racing fashion, the girls adapted—and found moments of joy along the way. “We went to D’Ellies for breakfast, had an ice cream social, and baked cookies with other girls from the East,” said Brooklyn.

More importantly, they felt part of something bigger. At Nationals, Eastern team coaches worked together, offering advice and support to athletes regardless of team or school. “You’d talk to coaches who weren’t even yours,” said Reese. “It was cool—it felt like we were part of a larger team.”

Narrow Gauge (L) and Comp Hill (R) at Sugarloaf, ME. Photo from
Carrabassett Valley Academy.

Learning to Lean on Each Other

Setbacks were part of the story. Brooke crashed in the GS. Reese was managing a knee tweak from an overlapping lacrosse season–she had returned from a Florida lacrosse camp to head straight to US Nationals. But they never faced those moments alone.

“We helped each other mentally,” said Nina. “If one of us had been there alone, it wouldn’t have been nearly as fun or as manageable.” Whether they were sharing tips at the start, cheering on a rerun, or just decompressing at the house, their bond became the foundation for their performance.

“Coach Travis always reminded us: it’s just another race,” Brooke said. “That mindset helped take the pressure off.”

Nina Martin '28 getting ready at the start on Narrow Gauge and Reese Harrigan '28 training on Competition Hill at Sugarloaf, ME.

Finding Strength in Routine—and in Themselves

Each athlete brought a personal start-line ritual—from band exercises and squat jumps to lucky songs and a trial-and-error of honey packets for energy. And though their approaches varied, one thing was clear: preparation mattered.

Reese noted how her approach had evolved over time. “Last year, I didn’t have a solid start routine. With help from Coach Travis, I built one that works for me—balancing what I need with what he coaches.”

That mindset extended beyond technique. Don’t change what works. Stick to your process and stay level-headed—even if someone else tells you to try something new.

Brooke Schemmel '28 and Brooklyn Barnhorst '28 train on
Competition Hill at Sugarloaf, ME.

Redefining Success

Success at Nationals didn’t necessarily look like podium finishes, though Brooke’s fourth-place finish was a standout moment. More often, it looked like perseverance. Like skiing your best without worrying about place. Like supporting a teammate after a tough run. Like recognizing just how rare and elite their experience truly was.

These four teammates are ranked in the top 30 for their age in the entire country–a remarkable feat, especially to have four athletes on the same team and age group. “We are quite literally some of the best ski racers for our age in the country,” Brooklyn said. “But no one really talks about it like that.”

Unlike traditional team sports, alpine skiing demands not only physical strength but immense mental resilience. “You mess up? That’s on you,” Nina said. “You can’t blame anyone else. And that can be so hard.”

U16 US Nationals Results

Brooklyn Barnhorst '27

Giant Slalom: 19th place

Brooke Schemmel '28

Slalom: 4th place
Super G: 10th place

Nina Martin '28

Slalom: 17th place
Giant Slalom: 18th place
Super G: 18th place

Reese Harrigan '28

Slalom: 12th place
Giant Slalom: 14th place

Looking Ahead

This summer, they’ll train hard on and off the slopes. Whether it’s hitting the gym, heading to camps in Colorado or Switzerland, participating in another sport, or just sticking to their exercise routines, these athletes know the work they put in now sets the tone for the season ahead.

Strength is the edge at this level. “Everyone’s a good skier,” said Reese. “What makes the difference is who can hold the line longest, who can stay strong until the finish.”

Brooke Schemmel '28, Nina Martin '28, Director of Snow Sports Ben Drummond, U16 Head Coach Travis Nevins, Brooklyn Barnhorst '27, and Reese Harrigan '28 at U16 US Alpine Nationals at Sugarloaf, ME.

The Bigger Picture

In a sport where the highs and lows are yours alone to carry, having teammates who understand you—and stand by you—makes all the difference.

“It’s a demanding sport,” Reese reflected. “You have to zoom out sometimes. Take a step back. Realize how far you’ve come. You might be upset about finishing 30th, but you’re at Nationals. That’s huge.”

And for these four athletes, the week at Sugarloaf was more than a test of skill. It was a reminder of why they race: not just for results, but for the challenge, and for the love of the sport.

About the Author

Alex Molloy
Digital Marketing Strategist

Alex Molloy brings her passion for graphic design and communications together as the Digital Marketing Strategist to bring the stories of Holderness School to the masses. No stranger to independent schools, she worked in the communications departments of two independent schools in the area and attended Carrabassett Valley Academy where she ski raced internationally at the FIS level. Ski racing brought her to Plymouth State University right down the road where she was a member and captain of the ski team.