Dear USASA family,
This past fall during the USASA Annual Golf Classic I had the opportunity to meet USASA Rocky Mountain Series alum and US Freeski Halfpipe Team athlete, Jaxin Hoerter.
Meeting Jaxin and hearing his story reminded me of the sacrifices each family makes in an athlete’s life. The countless hours of preparation, long car rides to the hill, expensive gear, training and travel all for what appears to be one moment in time. Those moments add up into the full experience and are only possible because of you, our USASA community.
Jaxin’s Story:
Jaxin was born into a skiing family in the beautiful mountains of Summit County, Colorado. At 15 months old, his parents Amy and Dusty Hoerter, stuffed newspapers into the toes of his boots so they would fit and he was on his way. “He sat on the backs of his skis as we pushed him down the hill, and he cried and cried.” Amy shared, “The next time we took him out he cried when we wanted to quit!!”
That love of skiing stuck and in 2011 at 10 years old Jaxin attended his first USASA Slopestyle contest and was immediately hooked on the community and spirit of competition. With his parent’s encouragement the following year, he added halfpipe competitions to his schedule. This addition proved to be fruitful, with Jaxin finishing the season with a 2012 USASA National Championships halfpipe podium in the Breaker Boys Division. This performance landed him an invite to the US Team Project Gold Camp and the door was opened to his Olympic dreams.
By the time Jaxin turned 13, he was quickly moving up the Olympic pipeline – by competing at USASA regional events and the Revolution Tour. More events and opportunities to progress equaled more resources needed to fund his endeavors. Amy and Dusty Hoerter, seeing Jaxin’s love and dedication to the sport made the decision to sell their home and move into a camper on their friend’s property to support Jaxin’s journey.
The sacrifice it was well worth it, Jaxin was named to the US Freeski Rookie Halfpipe team the following year at 14 years old and now at 21, Jaxin is a dedicated and passionate athlete, committed to his dream of standing on the podium at Beijing this February.
“The amazing and affordable events that USASA hosted kept us going in Jaxin’s early years! USASA isn’t just about giving kids a competitive outlet. It’s about community and family and developing the next generation of athletes. Without the USASA community, our family wouldn’t have made it this far.” – Amy Hoerter
After seven years in a camper, Amy and Dusty Hoerter have moved into a house again and Jaxin is now able to share in the support of his dream. We are all looking forward to watching him give it his all on the road to Beijing and beyond this season.
The continued dedication and support of donors, directors, coaches, parents, officials, clubs, and volunteers all giving is what can make the difference for one child to reach their dreams.
USASA events serve as community gatherings that ensure a safe place to play, grow, and experience a supportive competitive environment.
With your support, we can help develop more athletes like Jaxin, the athletes of the next generation.
I hope you will consider making a thoughtful year-end tax-deductible gift today.
To give a gift, simply click on the End of Year Giving Button on TeamApp or click on the giving link:
https://usasa.salsalabs.org/2021usasadonationsHappy Holidays,
Michael Mallon
USASA Executive Director
