Freeride Skiers 2025

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The Mountains are Calling
& Rice's 4 Freeride Skiers are Answering!
- Four Rice Memorial High School students have qualified for the prestigious Junior Freeride Championship (JFC's) at Kirkwood Mountain that starts on April 6, 2025 - (pictured left to right: Tara Nagle, '28; Sadie Haskell, '25; Lynsey Nagle, '26, and Seamus O’Neill, '26!) These dedicated athletes have spent the season earning points to secure their spots in this elite competition, where they will compete against top freeride skiers from across North and South America.
  
  For Background:
  Freeride skiing is a high-adrenaline discipline performed on ungroomed, natural terrain, where athletes choose their own line down the mountain, navigating features and executing tricks along the way. Competitors are judged on criteria such as line choice, fluidity, air, style, control, and overall energy. It’s an incredibly competitive and thrilling sport to watch—but it also comes with significant risk. Reaching this level of competition requires immense courage, rigorous training, and unwavering determination. Each of these students displays a high level of commitment; they train every weekend, spending full days on the mountain refining their technique, building strength, and developing the mental focus needed to compete at an elite level.
Seamus O'Neill

Student Profile:
- Seamus is currently ranked the #1 U-19 skier in North & South America!
  When you meet him, you can tell he is the type of skier who pushes the limits. He's confident, energetic, and has a great love for the outdoors. He's excited about the competition and what's ahead.
  He thinks about his grandfather's advice, "You be careful, I mean it!", takes it to heart, and then launches down the side of the mountain.
  Photo Credit: @taylormadeimages and @aidanburnz
Lynsey Nagle, '26

Student Profile:
- Represented Team USA!
  Lynsey competed in the Freeride Skiing Junior World Championship in Austria this winter. She is one of only 4 women selected to represent the US in this elite competition and is among the top 15 junior skiers in the world! She has a calm and humble demeanor that understates her great accomplishments.
  
  Photo credit: @stone_media5 and @miamariaknoll
Tara Nagle, '28

Student Profile:
- First year at JFC's, but not the last!
  Skiing is a way of life for Tara! In the last 2 years, she switched from downhill racing to freeride skiing and has quickly elevated her game. She absolutely loves being on the mountain and says when she's skiing, nothing else matters. She brings a bright spirit, fun-loving attitude, and a high level of skill to the table. This is her first year at the JFC's and we expect it won't be her last!
Sadie Haskell, '25

Student Profile:
- Last year at JFC's, moving on to bigger mountains!
  For Sadie, free skiing has been more than just a sport—it’s been a source of lifelong friendships and an incredible community. As she wraps up her final season competing at the junior level, she’s looking ahead to new challenges in the adult bracket next year. And with her commitment to the University of Denver, she’ll have plenty of opportunities to keep pushing her limits on the slopes.
  
  Photo credit: @stone_media5 and @photos_by_kintz
- We don't just say we're student-centered,
  by supporting students like these, we prove it.
  
  “At Rice, we’re committed to a student-centered approach that helps students achieve their God-given potential and pursue their dreams. Whether that dream is skiing, playing a college sport, studying abroad, serving their community, or pursuing an academic goal. We work hard to give students the flexibility they need while also still holding them to high standards. It’s a major credit to our teachers who think creatively and make themselves available if needed.” – Principal Nagy

Seamus is currently ranked the #1 U-19 skier in North & South America!

Represented Team USA!

First year at JFC's, but not the last!

Last year at JFC's, moving on to bigger mountains!