Thanks so much to everyone who helped me make it to the 2021 Freeride Junior World Championships last March! The experience was beyond my expectations! Competing against the top junior female freeride snowboarders in the world accelerated my development leaps and bounds! While I was there, I was able to compete in a 3* comp and then the 4* Championships. I placed 2nd in the first comp and 4th in the Championships (the highest ranking American)! 

On Thursday, October 7th, I opened my inbox and saw an e-mail titled “2022 FREERIDE JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP.'' It was an invitation to the 2022 FJWC! I had no idea that I would get an invite back! I realized that my results last March gave me another opportunity to become a Junior World Champion. And I would not have gotten there without all of you!

I’m reaching out for support to get to the 2022 FJWC. The championships are this January 25-29, 2022 in Kappl, Austria, just 11 weeks from now. I am doing everything I can on my end to prepare for this opportunity. I realize that I can not do this without the support of my family, friends and coaches. Please know, I was blown away by the amount of support that I received last year and couldn't be more appreciative. It is difficult to come back and ask for support. I understand that it might not be possible for you to donate again this year. If you can find it in your heart to support me, I would be so appreciative. If a donation is not possible please cheer for me this January 25-29th. I can not do this without all of you!  

Since returning from the championships last March, I decided to fully commit to snowboard training. I’ll be training full-time with the Palisades Tahoe Snowboard Team (formerly Squaw Valley) this winter. In order to do this, I switched from on campus study to Independent Study for the 2021-2022 academic year. I admit, this fall has been tough on me. I miss the social aspect of being on campus and doing my school work entirely from home reminds me of the beginning of COVID. Receiving this invitation has made me feel like Independent Study was the right choice!

Now I’m fully focused on preparing for this opportunity. I’ve started dryland training with my coach and teammates and doing snow-specific workouts at Woodward, Tahoe. I was also able to participate in HMB High School Water Polo, which kept me in shape this fall. The surprise early snowfall let me get back on the snow! Last week I strapped back into the board to ride at Mammoth.

The funds raised will go to the travel expenses to get to Austria (flight, lodging, food, lift tickets, etc.). Last year, the remaining funds I had went to the competition fees and the training costs from last season. I really appreciate your consideration!

Love, Kaiya