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From Ski Slopes to Success

Cold snowy nights on the ski hills might not sound appealing to most people, but for senior Abigail Ulbrich they have fostered a special place in her heart. Her passion for skiing began when she was five years old and has taken her from local slopes to being all conference. She has exceeded dedication, commitment, and growth.


Abby’s adventure began at Bittersweet Ski Resort in Otsego, where she fell into the world of racing. From the very beginning she had a good luck charm–her teddy bear–which she carried with her as she skied. This bear was the symbol for her commitment to skiing, but it was only the start of her journey.  A few years later she competed in NASTAR Nationals, where she skied the World Cup course and finished 9th in the nation.


As Abby transitioned into high school her passion for skiing continued to grow and expanded into the Hackett ski team. When she was a freshman, Abby’s father, Eric Ulbirch, helped start the Hackett and Vicksburg ski team. At first the girls and boys sat in 7th place in the conference, today both teams have made incredible progress. The girls team is now ranked 2nd in the conference and the boys falling right behind, in 3rd.


In addition to this, Abby has played an important role on the team, as she earned recognition for not just her leadership, but also academic excellence. She was All-Conference from freshman through junior year, qualified for states in her sophomore year, and continued to be Academic All-State all four years of high school. Abby has been team captain and has worked hard to lead her team both on and off the slopes. 


With all the hard work and personal growth, one of Abby’s biggest milestones came just a few weeks ago: her first ever race victory. After about 13 years of racing, Abby crossed the line in first place at an all conference meet. She reflected on this moment saying, “I’ve been doing this for thirteen years, and to finally win a race felt incredible.” She added, “It was a moment I had been working toward since my freshman year.”


For Abby, having a team is not just about individual achievements, but also for the bonds she now holds with her teammates. “Skiing has made me closer to people I never thought I would get to know, and has been my favorite part of high school,” Abby stated. “The people I ski with on this team are some of my closest friends, and practice is what I look forward to most.”


Abby’s journey is a powerful testament to the strength of passion, endurance, and community. As she continues to lead her team, her love for skiing and the community she's fostered will remain at the core of everything she does.



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