Race Season Is Here! — Jacqueline Wiles | U.S. Women's Alpine Ski Team

This is my first official post, and I am very excited to write and share my experiences with you all this season. It should be eventful, and I will try to keep you up to date and I will do my best to elaborate on all this season has to offer! All the ups and downs, seriousness and goofiness, and everything in between. I am home briefly now for Thanksgiving break, enjoying family time that I am always grateful for. I head to Canada to begin the race season on Cyber Monday (the day I will do my online Christmas Shopping). So much has happened since last year and the time has flown by. As a high note, I have had one of my best off-season preparations ever. I was able to get more time on skis this summer and feel more technically prepared for the tour. We went back to the basics which is just what I needed. No doubt I will still be all out, pedal to the podium medal;), on the edge charging again... but at least this time around I'll be slightly in more control (you're welcome Mom & Dad).

As a low, I lost some very important family members that crushed and devastated me. This 4th of July, Uncle John, my mom’s brother passed unexpectedly. This was heartbreaking to our family. He was an amazing guy and we miss him terribly. Then on my dad’s side we grieved the loss of my Uncle Jimmy on Oct. 8th. Jim was very special to me as he and I were very close. It has been very hard. Not a day goes by that I don't think about him. Jimmy was one of my biggest fans and he will definitely be with me every time I push out of the start this year. These tragedies have really taught me how precious life is, and to love and cherish each other everyday. I have learned so much from them that I will take with me for the rest of my life.

This past month we have been putting on all the finishing touches, tweaking every little thing to make us fast. Colorado has been all over the place, from no snow to too much, but we were still able to get a lot done. Copper Mountain is a great place for us to get in some valuable speed training before we start racing. Confidence is huge in our sport, and I feel our whole team is skiing well and in a good place going into the season. We are down one lady, Leanne, at the moment but she will be back soon attacking in no time.

So many emotions fill my mind as the the first races are quickly approaching. I am coming off an incredible season last year that took me farther than many had anticipated. It all happened so fast, but I knew it was possible from how hard I had worked. Although I am grateful, I don't want to be satisfied and content. This year I strive to go even further and am excited to see what it brings. Working countless hours in the gym and out on the hill, I feel that I am ready to kick some a**!!!!!! Let's get this season started!!!!!!

Day one of training at Lake Louise, Canada.