Name: Betsy Pantazelos
Position: Student Representative for Alpine, Editor & Director of Publications
Years with USCSA: 3 years as an athlete, 2 years as a rep, 1 year with Marketing
Home Mountain: Loon Mountain, New Hampshire
Hobbies: Pearl Jam concerts, Photography, writing, cycling, waterskiing, bagpiping
1. Where and why did you first learn to ski/ride?
At age two, I went to Loon Mountain with family friends who were die hard skiers. My family had never been so we all went along for the ride. My mother thought I was crazy, but allowed me to learn because I insisted.
2. How long have you been involved with USCSA and how did you first become involved?
As a college freshman. I thought that ski racing would no longer be a part of my life after high school until I learned that my school (Boston University) had a club team. I raced for my entire college career, captained my team, and after graduating came back to coach. Since then, I’ve taken on a number of other roles for the national organization including Student Athlete Alpine Representative and Associate Director of Marketing, and Editor of The Racer’s Rag.
3. What are your current responsibilities for the organization?
I help new athletes and teams become involved, and provide a voice for them at the national level. I write for and edit the newsletter to help the organization with the dissemination of information. For marketing, I work to spread the word of USCSA to help the organization to grow!
4. Describe your favorite on-the-hill memory.
My last race, a dress up race in the division, is one of my favorite memories. Not only did my entire team wear fishnets, lingerie, and puff-painted tighty-whities (both the men’s and women’s teams) but I won the race in this getup. This was only my second win in my collegiate career and it was my last race ever in my division.
5. Why do you like being involved with USCSA?
I find great value in the team-centric layout of the competition. I think it engenders camaraderie and fun while also fostering competition. The organization really changed my outlook on ski racing, and serving the organization is a great way to give back for all that I have personally gained!
6. If you could spend a week skiing at any ski resort in the world where would it be and why?
I would love to ski anywhere in the Alps. France, Austria, Switzerland…doesn’t matter! Great snow, gorgeous mountains, and all are places I have yet to ski.
7. What are some of the changes you have noticed in the organization during your tenure?
There has definitely been growth in the involvement of students at the national level. Newer representatives feel more confident to openly participate and assist. For example, The Racer’s Rag publication is now off the ground as a result of the hard work of the Student Athlete Representatives.
8. What do you think students/athletes can do to help support USCSA's longevity?
I think it’s critical that teams that already exist at a college or university should attempt to grow their snowsports programs (add a snowboard, cross-country, or a fresstyle ski team). Also, getting involved at the National level makes an incredible amount of difference. It’s an opportunity for sharing and gleaning information; everyone benefits from hearing about the various successes of others in order to then implement them in their own conference or division.
Print this page
