More Than Skiing

Sarah Patterson didn’t join MyXC because she grew up skiing. In fact, before volunteering, she didn’t feel connected to the skiing community at all. She joined to support her child—and discovered something much bigger. "MyXC has created a community that supports each other far beyond skiing,” she said. As an assistant coach and board member with the Alexandria Nordic Club, Sarah has watched children transform from hesitant beginners into confident skiers in just one season. "My returning skiers were so much more confident,” she said. "I was floored!” But the impact extends far beyond the trails. Families help one another with rides, celebrate milestones together, offer support during difficult times, and build friendships that last well beyond winter. "Our community is better with MyXC in it,” Sarah said. Sarah believes every child deserves adults who believe in them. "Empowering kids to feel challenged, choose their own journey, and know they are supported by adults who believe in them is life-changing.” Her advice to future volunteers is simple: "Do it. You can make a positive, long-lasting impact in your own community—and there’s no doubt the world needs that now.”