Taylor
Alison was an invaluable part of my recruiting process. She helped me navigate one of the most difficult stages, getting in front of coaches, by leveraging her network and relationships. Coaches receive hundreds of emails from prospective athletes, many of whom are not a strong fit, which means even highly qualified candidates can easily be overlooked. Alison ensured that didn't happen to me.
She made sure I received a fair and genuine evaluation across programs. Because of her strong relationships with many head coaches, she was able to advocate for me and provide a credible, unbiased perspective on my abilities. This led to more calls and in person meetings, which are critical in the recruiting process.
"If it weren't for Alison, I wouldn't be attending my dream school and skiing D1."
Meet the Sibling
Addison
I will forever be grateful for the help and support that Alison gave me through the college recruiting process. From reviewing emails to coaches and helping me set up 1:1 meetings with the best of the best, she encouraged me every step of the way. As the year went on and I realized that I no longer had my passion and joy for ski racing, she was able to pivot right along with me.
I landed at UCSD, a college and area that I love. I am able to have a broad college experience, joining surf club and writing for a magazine, while at the same time ski racing for USCSA. The racing isn't as intense as FIS and NCAA, but I still get to do what I have loved since I was three years old, even qualifying for Nationals in Lake Placid.
I wouldn't be living my best life if it weren't for Alison.
"Now I'm living a life I truly love."
Meet the Parent
Kim
We began working with Alison at different stages for both of our children, and her guidance proved invaluable in each of their unique journeys through the college ski recruiting process.
Our eldest son, Taylor, entered the process with a higher, less competitive point profile, yet remained deeply committed to the goal of skiing at a highly competitive Division I program. He didn't have a spot at the end of high school and was ready to give up. Alison encouraged him to continue pursuing his dream and, through her connections, helped him gain acceptance to a competitive gap year program. What we quickly learned is that even with strong results, finding the right fit requires time, persistence, and patience. Alison helped us understand the recruiting landscape, set realistic expectations, and stay focused through what ultimately became a two year gap journey.
The decision to take not one, but two gap years was not an easy one, but Alison gave us the clarity and confidence to trust that path. Her steady and strategic guidance ultimately led to Taylor securing a spot at Williams College, an exceptional fit both academically and athletically. It is because of Alison's support through the three year process that Taylor ended up at his dream school doing what he loves.
Our younger daughter, Addison, took a very different path, but it was equally supported by Alison's thoughtful and individualized approach. Beginning in her junior year, Addison worked closely with Alison to explore a wide range of options. She consistently encouraged Addison to think beyond skiing and to consider the full college experience she envisioned for herself. Addison decided to move to the East Coast for her senior year to attend a ski academy and fully immerse herself in the sport, believing Division I racing was the path she wanted to pursue. Alison helped her set up meetings with many East Coast coaches. However, as often happens with the intensity of racing, Addison decided by the end of her senior year that she wanted something different.
With Alison's guidance, Addison ultimately chose to attend University of California San Diego, where she could pursue her academic goals while continuing to ski at the USCSA level. It was a decision grounded in fit, balance, and long term fulfillment, and we are incredibly grateful Alison supported her in confidently choosing a less traditional path. As a freshman, Addison immediately found her community and continues to pursue racing she loves, even qualifying for Nationals, but at a pace that allows for a broader collegiate experience.
In both cases, Alison met each of our children exactly where they were, guiding them along very different paths with clarity, honesty, and care. Her ability to balance the realities of recruiting with each athlete's personal goals is truly exceptional.
We are deeply grateful for her partnership and would recommend Alison Chadbourne without hesitation to any family navigating this complex and highly individualized process.
