VAIL, Colo.—October 2, 2025 — The TA Foundation, a private operating foundation dedicated to advancing ski racing, is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025/26 SYNC Athlete Fund, in partnership with SYNC Performance, a Vail, Colorado–based company specializing in ski racing gear and apparel.
Since its establishment in 2019, the SYNC Athlete Fund, administered by the TA Foundation, has been committed to eliminating financial barriers for athletes aspiring to excel in ski racing. The TA Foundation’s mission is to foster the sport’s future by providing educational and training support to the next generation of talented ski racers.
In its sixth year, the TA Foundation is awarding $75,000 in grants to deserving senior athletes, with additional support for junior athletes. These grants will cover training, equipment, travel, and competition expenses, enabling recipients to pursue their ski racing goals. The selection process, overseen by an independent committee of the TA Foundation, evaluated applicants based on financial need, quality of application responses, competitive results, and letters of recommendation. All selected athletes align with the TA Foundation’s charitable mission and demonstrate significant potential to benefit from this support.
Congratulations to these hardworking athletes!
Senior Athletes
Bradshaw Underhill (2000) — New Hampshire
Eleri Smart (2001) — British Columbia
Galena Wardle (1998) — Colorado
George Steffey (1997) — Utah
Jacob Dilling (1999) — Colorado
Sarah Bennett (2001) — Quebec
Simon Fournier (1997) — Quebec
Stefanie Fleckenstein (1997) — British Columbia
Storm Klomhaus (1998) — Colorado
Tim Gavett (1998) — Vermont
Wiley Maple (1990) — Colorado
William St-Germain (1992) — Quebec
U16-U21 ATHLETES
Western USA: 9 Athletes
Eastern/Midwestern USA: 6 Athletes
International (Canada): 2 Athletes
The TA Foundation’s SYNC Athlete Fund exists to remove financial barriers for ski racing athletes striving for the highest levels of competition. By providing grants for ski racing related expenses, the foundation empowers athletes to reach their full potential on and off the hill. All grant decisions are made independently by the TA Foundation.
Established in 2019 by the TA Foundation, the SYNC Athlete Fund provides grants to individual athletes based on demonstrated financial need, competitive results, and alignment with the foundation’s mission. SYNC Performance supports the fund through non-financial contributions, such as program promotion, without receiving compensation or benefits from the foundation.
The TA Foundation is a private operating foundation dedicated to advancing ski racing through direct charitable programs, including grants for athlete training and education. The foundation operates in compliance with IRS regulations, ensuring all activities further its exempt purposes.