New MWSC development coach is on the job
CARIBOU — Officials with the Maine Winter Sports Center have announced the hiring of Amber Dodge as development coach. Dodge will take over the MWSC Development Team from departing coach David Chamberlain.
“I was attracted to the position of development coach at the Maine Winter Sports Center because this position enables me to share my passion for skiing,” said Dodge. “I will be able to share how Nordic skiing has had such a positive influence on my life. It has taught me how to live a healthy lifestyle, ways to enjoy the outdoors as well as how to stay positive through adversity.”
Dodge was born in Worthington, Mass. and started skiing in her backyard with her family. She joined the local Bill Koch Youth Ski League at the age of 4 and grew up running, hiking, skiing and canoeing.
Dodge said her most influential youth coach, Ed Hamel, taught her about ski racing, technique and about how to have a lot of fun outside.
Dodge raced locally in high school, as well as regionally at the J2 festival, Eastern High School Championships and at USSA Junior Olympics. She continued racing while at St. Lawrence University, where she studied international studies and music.
After school she worked summers in Switzerland for an outdoor adventure company and as a certified Yoga instructor. During the winters Dodge worked at the Aspen Cross Country Ski Center and coached the development team for the Aspen Valley Ski Club.
As for her immediate plans in the new position, “right now I am focused on getting to know the development team so I can make better informed decisions based on what the team needs as opposed to what I think they need,” she said. “Also I am meeting with the parents to talk to them about what the season is going to look like.”
