Meet the Coaches
CANADA’S BEST: World Cup Academy Coaches
Mike Cavaliere in action supporting Academy athletes during an important race at the Canmore Nordic Centre.
MIKE CAVALIERE
As co-founder and director of the Alberta World Cup Academy, Mike Cavaliere has the goal of preparing athletes for international success and the program he provides encompasses every aspect of athlete development. Mike works directly with each athlete to develop a specific training regime that follows testing procedures to ensure that athletes are on track towards achieving their goals. His list of achievements is impressive and includes being the Head Coach of the 2006 Winter Games and the National Senior Team Coach from 2003-2006.
STEFAN KUHN
Kuhn has seen it all as a skier: The Olympics and world cup races as well as miserable training sessions. He took a two-year hiatus from the sport to travel and become a chef before returning to become one of the nation’s best ski sprinters. His 15th-place finish at the Vancouver Olympics is the best men’s sprint in Canadian history.
“I hope to use my experience to help the athletes deal with pressure and get them to the top echelon of the sport,” Kuhn said. “I did everything the hard way and when I came through, didn’t have anyone to talk to. If I’m around, I’m easy for the athletes to connect to.”
Being fresh out of the sport, he understands the sacrifices – mental and physical – that being an elite athlete entails.
CHRIS JEFFERIES
Chris brings exceptional credentials to the Academy. As an athlete he represented Canada on the Canadian Ski Team for 10 years, competing at 4 World Championships, numerous World Cups and the 2006 Winter Olympics.
Since 2008 Chris has been the Head Coach of Foothills Nordic Ski Club – one of the most successful club teams in Canadian cross-country history – and his term with the club included two Canadian Club Champion titles. Chris’ experience, which includes coaching at the 2009 World Junior Championships, will be of great value to the Academy athletes as they prepare to represent Canada internationally this winter.
ERIK GROENEVELD
