The Nordic ski season doesn’t start for several months, but Erin Waters is already busy as Holderness School’s new Nordic Program Director.

In her new role, Waters will oversee the strategic direction and daily operations of the Nordic program, working closely with Head Coach Pat Casey to support athlete development, competition planning, and year-round training. She will also lead the Holderness Nordic Club program, coordinate key events such as Women’s XC Ski Day and Eastern Cups, and provide support for middle school and Bill Koch League athletes.

We recently sat down for a quick Q&A with Waters, who joins Holderness after nearly six years as Head Nordic Ski Coach for Concord High School. She previously competed for St. Lawrence University and has worked alongside Holderness coaches through the New Hampshire Nordic Coaches Association.

Welcome to Holderness! What inspired you to join Holderness as the school’s new Nordic Program Director?

I'm genuinely thrilled to be here. Holderness has always been an important place in my Nordic ski career; I have fond memories of skiing and racing the old school trails, and wonderful friends who are Holderness graduates.

As a coach, over the last couple of years, I've noticed the outsized impact the Holderness School program has had on Nordic skiing at large. It's a program that people are genuinely excited to be a part of.

I've been lucky to work alongside Pat Casey and Peter Hendel in various roles within the New Hampshire Nordic Coaches Association, and I was consistently inspired by their wonderful coaching styles and deep love for the sport. Their commitment to these programs is clear, not just from the growing teams but also from the infectious fun that radiates from their athletes as they learn and grow.

That combination of a strong legacy, a vibrant and growing community, and truly passionate coaching is incredibly inspiring. I want to be part of that energy and contribute to a program that prioritizes both athletic development and the joy of the sport.

Tell us about yourself–where are you from, and what role has Nordic skiing played in your life?

I grew up just south of Holderness in Concord, New Hampshire, and was introduced to skiing through my middle and high school programs. I gravitated towards Nordic skiing because of its unique combination of technique, endurance, mental toughness, and strength. For me, putting all those pieces together was always a fun puzzle to solve. Beyond the sport itself, it's also where I found my community and my people.

Nordic skiing has been an incredible teacher throughout my life. It's taught me everything from the literal act of falling and getting back up to advocating for myself and embracing constructive criticism. I'm incredibly grateful for the invaluable life skills I've acquired, and honestly, I just never stop learning from them.

More broadly, Nordic skiing has profoundly shaped my view of the world. In a world increasingly dominated by phones and social media, I find myself continually drawn to the mountains, eager for adventures with friends, and always approaching challenges with a mindset to learn and grow. I am grateful to have Nordic skiing as such a big part of my life.

The Nordic Program Director is a new position at Holderness. For those who don't know, could you explain what your role entails?

This is indeed a new position at Holderness, and I am very excited to step into it! As the Nordic Program Director, my role is designed to provide comprehensive support across the entire program, focusing on both the strategic big picture and hands-on athlete development. This means I'll be overseeing the logistical, administrative, and programmatic aspects of Nordic skiing at Holderness, directly supporting Head Coach Pat Casey and the Holderness School team with training, competition planning, and camps.

I'll also be running the Holderness Nordic Club program, which offers year-round training, including summer sessions, as well as competitive opportunities such as Eastern Cup racing in the winter. My responsibilities include providing support to the Bill Koch League kids and the middle school programs, assisting the snowmaking and grooming team, and coordinating key events and races, such as the Women’s XC Ski Day and Eastern Cups.

My goal is to enhance an already thriving program by ensuring smooth operations, fostering athlete development, and managing major events, all while continuing to build on the vibrant, fun community that cares so deeply about this sport.

What are you looking forward to most during your first year at Holderness? 

I'm looking forward to immersing myself in the Holderness community during my first year. While I've already had the pleasure of working with and learning from many wonderful individuals and I'm especially eager to get to know the students, teachers, and faculty once the school year begins.

Beyond the hustle and bustle of campus, I'm also excited to connect with the broader Plymouth and Holderness community. I know there's an incredible wealth of volunteers, parents, and community members who are deeply invested in these programs. Building those relationships and becoming an active part of this dedicated network is what I'm most looking forward to.

Tell us about yourself outside of skiing. What are your interests, hobbies, etc?

Outside of skiing, my interests largely revolve around the outdoors and adventures! Nordic skiing opened the door to so many wonderful activities for me, and you'll often find me hiking, trail running, mountain biking, or learning to rock climb. The best adventures, however, are those I can share with friends and family, especially with my dogs. My partner, Jarred, and I have two wonderful dogs, William and Bo. While William is happily enjoying his well-deserved retirement from wild adventures, Bo loves to tag along whenever he can!

When I'm not outside, I also really enjoy cooking and baking bread. I love trying new recipes, especially those that feature ingredients I've never used before, or perhaps those fresh from a garden that, let's be honest, doesn't always get as much attention as it should.

Learn more about Nordic skiing at Holderness School