Tracy Returns to Lead Women's Alpine Ski Team
PARK CITY, Utah (April 2) - Veteran ski coach Jim Tracy (Hood River, OR) is returning to the U.S. Ski Team as women's alpine head coach, according to Alpine Director Jesse Hunt. Tracy, who was women's head speed coach from 1997-2004, brings an extensive background having worked five Olympics and eight World Championships in his career before retiring from the Team in 2006.
"Jim is bringing 20 years of international coaching experience to the position," said Hunt. "He brings the knowledge, contacts, and the continuity that will help us continue to achieve success."
"I'm extremely excited and honored to come back when the team is doing so well," said Tracy, who has been coaching at Mt. Hood Meadows, OR. "I'm humbled by the support from the staff in wanting me to come back. There are going to be some big shoes to fill.
"My goal is to support everyone and just keep the ball rolling, and to get the technical side going as well as the speed side. We want to go into Vancouver with a lot of excitement and be ready to win."
The U.S. women's program has had strong success the last three seasons. Lindsey Vonn (Vail, CO) won the Audi FIS World Cup overall and downhill titles last season. Julia Mancuso (Olympic Valley, CA) won the Olympic giant slalom in 2006 and challenged for the overall title in 2007.
Tracy coached at Colorado's Ski Club Vail for nine years before joining the U.S. Ski Team staff in 1986 as a men's coach. He took over the U.S. women's downhill and super G program in 1996 and continued to 2004 when he stepped down to work in development and with the Europa Cup women through the 2006 season.
The former Mammoth Mountain racer has worked with a star-studded lineup of champions in his career including Olympic champions Picabo Street and Tommy Moe, World Champions Daron Rahlves and Hilary Lindh, plus Worlds medalists AJ Kitt, Kirsten Clark, Jonna Mendes, Mancuso and Vonn.
Tracy replaces Patrick Riml, who retired following the 2008 season.
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Tracy Returns to Lead Women's Alpine Ski Team
