Plymouth State names new head coach

By Published On: July 24th, 2017Comments Off on Plymouth State names new head coach

There will be a new leader atop the Plymouth State University men’s and women’s ski programs for the 2017-18 season. Geoff Ouellette has been selected to lead the alpine ski program effective immediately, as announced by Director of Athletics Kim Bownes.

Ouellette, who spent last season as an assistant coach with the program, will take over for former Head Coach Andrew Gannon, who led the Panther skiers for the last seven years. Ouellette’s coaching career on the mountain has spanned nearly 30 years, including six years as an assistant coach at the U21 level for the Black & Blue Trail Smashers (BBTS) program at Waterville Valley Academy, PSU’s home mountain. He was also a member of the Panther coaching staff during the 2011-12 season.

“We’re very happy to have Geoff lead our men’s and women’s alpine ski programs going into the 2017-18 season,” said Associate Director of Athletics Courtney O’Clair. “Geoff has spent a considerable amount of time with the team in his previous role as assistant coach. He has earned a great deal of credibility and respect from our student-athletes.”

Ouellette helped guide two Panthers to the NCAA National Championships last March. Freshman Karl Kuus capped off an impressive rookie campaign with an 11th-place finish in the men’s slalom, the highest finish for a Plymouth State skier in program history.

On the women’s side, sophomore Freydis Einarsdottir took 15th place in the slalom at the NCAA Championships and became the first PSU skier to post multiple top-15 finishes at the national championships after placing 12th in the 2016 slalom.

“I am deeply honored, humbled and proud to be able to represent these amazing student-athletes and Plymouth State University at the highest level of collegiate competition,” said Ouellette. “As the coach of this program I look forward to the continued success and journey to a national alpine skiing championship. Together with the dedication of our athletes and support from PSU I know this is more than just a possibility.”

Release from Plymouth State University

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