NENSA Virtual Speaker Series - New England Nordic Ski Association

NENSA Speaker Series

This virtual educational series expands opportunities for learning beyond our in-person conferences, symposiums, and clinics. All webinars are free to NENSA members (you can purchase or renew your membership here) and will be held over Zoom. Each offering will be feature a 45 minute presentation followed by a 15 minute Q&A. If you’re unable to make a webinar, register anyway as we will share a recording afterward. If you’re interested in speaking in our series, or have a topic you’d like to see covered in a future webinar, let us know at kait@nensa.net.

Patience, Insight & Leadership

Kris Freeman

December 3, 2025 | 7:30-8:30pm

Kris Freeman is a 4 x Olympian in cross country skiing. Highlights of his athletic career include a 5th place finish in the 4 x 10k relay at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, winning the inaugural U-23 world championship 30k classic in Valdidentro, Italy in 2003, placing 4th in the 15k classic at the world championships In Liberec, Czech Republic, and amassing 17 US national championships from 2000-2015. Kris is a Type 1 diabetic and has worked as a patient advocate and public speaker in the diabetes community for 23 years. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Plymouth State University and will graduate with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from PSU in August of 2026.

Kris will present on the role coaches play in the mental health of their athletes. Using an autobiographical outline, he will delineate the importance of providing a low-pressure environment that focuses on skill building and fun for developing skiers. He will encourage patience throughout the development process, emphasizing that mental and physical growth are equally important to maximize an athlete’s potential. The environment needed for this growth is set by the expectations, values and behaviors of the coach. Unconditional support and acceptance leads to trust, which gives young athletes the courage to grow without fear of failure.

The Master Skier: Balancing Life, Health, and Performance

Matt Klick

December 10, 2025 | 7:30-8:30pm

Coach Matt Klick (PhD) has been competing in endurance sports for over 25 years. From skiing across Baffin Island and first ascents in Alaska to local cyclocross races and the Birkie, Matt has long identified with the time-crunched but goal-oriented athlete. In nordic skiing, Matt has been Master National Champion, won his age group at Birkie classic (18th overall; 2nd in skate the year prior) and has multiple age-group podiums and top elite wave finishes in some of America’s biggest races. Matt has also been a Colorado cyclocross state champion and competed across the country in cycling, gravel, skimo, and ultra running races. Matt has previously coached juniors in Montana, Colorado, and Norway as well, (including a young Petter Northug). But it was his experience achieving his own goals through careful preparation amid a hectic job that included international travel, plus his enthusiasm for working with people and empathetic communication, that led Matt to start Red Elephant Racing. Matt (seen here with Aksel, his long-time agility coordinator) possesses his USSS L100 coaching certification, and is currently pursuing his USAC Level 3 cert.

Skiing is a beautiful, yet sometimes complex sport where fitness alone is insufficient for success, and even enjoyment. Balance, technique, and skiing economy, plus equipment, all interact and are key considerations for new and older skiers with performance objectives. Other considerations are life stresses, and limited training hours, in a sport that can still project ‘more is better.’ Based on a combination of emerging science and reflections on working with both elite and new master skiers, this webinar is designed to assist skiers with sifting through the noise and making decisions around how they spend their time and energy, and to balance performance objectives with overall health and well-being.

The Beaver Dam Model of Club Development

Isabel Caldwell

December 17, 2025 | 7:30-8:30pm

Isabel’s roots run deep in the New England ski community. Through West River BKL and Stratton Mountain School, she developed a love of sport that led her to Dartmouth College, where she studied Earth Science and was a varsity member and captain of the ski team. She went on to earn a Masters degree in Teaching at UVM and has since taught math and science at the middle and high school levels, most recently at Sugar Bowl Academy in Norden, CA. Throughout her career, Isabel has been committed to the growth and development of young people far beyond the traditional classroom as a ski coach, wilderness trip leader, drama teacher, and dorm parent.

In her coaching roles, Isabel has worked with diverse programs and skiers of all ages and abilities. She has served as Youth Ski Club Director and Head Coach at Frost Mountain Nordic, Head Coach at Burr & Burton Academy, and U8 Coach with the Sugar Bowl Ski Team. Additionally, she has served on the Executive Committee of Far West Nordic, coordinated regional opportunities, and contributed to a strategic planning process.

Isabel will present on how to build the foundations of a successful club that can serve all community members. The presentation will encourage people to play to their strengths and work with co-leaders whose strengths complement their own. Isabel will then delve into volunteer recruitment and how to make your volunteers feel useful and valued. And because her favorite animal is the American Beaver the presentation will be in the model of a beaver meadow!

More coming soon!