Through U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s goal to grow the next generation of aerials skiers in the United States, U.S. Ski & Snowboard has launched the Aerials Nationals Development Group (AENDG) to further develop the pipeline of aerials athletes.

The Aerials National Development Group is a pool of the country's top developmental aerials athletes, selected based on head-to-head performance at NorAms, U.S. Championships, and other domestic FIS events. Athletes selected for the AENDG are recognized with an invitation to national development projects during the 2025-26 season. AENDG programming aims to drive athletes toward the Stifel U.S. Ski Team. Strategic training opportunities will be organized during the preparation and competition periods to emphasize technical and tactical development in each athlete. An emphasis on conditioning will provide the backbone for advancement throughout the winter. The AENDG’s overall mission is to provide consistent, top-tier support for the growth of our next generation athletes. The program will collaborate with the athletes’ current program and coaches to ensure athletes receive the best possible training, support and resources. 

AENDG athletes will work with Jack Boyczuk, who will serve as the group’s head coach in year one of the program. Athletes have the opportunity to train across North America in Park City, UT, Bristol, NY and Le Relais, CAN, and learn from subject matter experts in sports psychology, nutrition and strength and conditioning. Madison Hogg, U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Freestyle Development Manager, will serve as the AENDG Team Administrator

“The Aerials National Development Group is just what we need to keep advancing aerials skiing in the United States and ensure our athletes have the tools to reach the highest level,” said Matt Gnoza, U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s Freestyle Sport Director. “We’ve built a strong tradition of excellence in aerials, and this program will help us carry that momentum into the future.”

The first cohort of athletes selected for the AENDG comprises the best up-and-coming aerials skiers in the country - many with great international and domestic success. 

2025-26 Aerials National Development Group

(Club; Notable Achievements)

Women

• Lilyana Laraba (Holiday Valley; 10th, 2025 U.S. Championships)
• Natalie Leitgeb (Bristol Mountain Freestyle; 12th, 2025 U.S. Championships)
• Madeline Mar (Park City Ski & Snowboard) 
• Allison Patton (Bristol Mountain Freestyle; 11th, 2025 U.S. Championships)

Men

• Gavin Canzano (Bristol Mountain Freestyle; Seventh, 2025 U.S. Championships; Two NorAm Cup top 12 results)
• Jackson Chapman (Bristol Mountain Freestyle; 10th, 2025 U.S. Championships)
• JP Kane (Mont Chalet; 14th, 2025 U.S. Championships)
• Scott Kane (Steamboat Winter Sports School; One World Cup start; One NorAm top five finish; Ninth, 2025 U.S. Championships)*
• Liam Laraba (Holiday Valley)
• Ian Leitgeb (Bristol Mountain Freestyle; 12th, 2025 U.S. Championships)
• Owen Przepiora (Holiday Valley; 13th, 2025 U.S. Championships)
• Liam Smith (HoliMont; 20th, 2025 U.S. Championships)

* indicates previous World Cup starts

The best freestyle aerials skiers in the U.S. took to the air at the Utah Olympic Park on Saturday, Aug. 23rd, in front of an incredible hometown crowd, where Kaila Kuhn and Quinn Dehlinger both stood at the top of the podium. 

This year's event featured over 40 athletes from around the country, ranging from Olympic champions to the best up-and-coming development athletes. The day started with the qualification round, where each athlete had two chances to put down their best jump, and their top score was used to rank them toward the final. The top 12 men and women advanced to the final round. Kuhn qualified in the top spot for the women, and Chris Lillis led the way for the men. 

Despite the wind, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team athletes stayed strong in the finals. Kuhn threw a beautiful full full full, scoring 107.32 to put her ahead of teammate Winter Vinecki to maintain her winning position. Vinecki finished second, followed by Dani Loeb in third. On the men’s side, Lillis stepped up the difficulty, throwing a full double full double full to earn a huge 130.05 points, a huge improvement from qualifications. However, Dehlinger came out swinging in the finals and threw a hurricane, a full triple full full to take the lead and finish on top. Teammate Connor Curran completed the podium in third place. 

“This is one of the best summers of training I’ve had to date, and right now I’m just working on increasing my degree of difficulty,” said Kuhn. “The plan we have set is working, so I’m just going to try to keep moving in that same direction.”

“I’m feeling good,” said Dehlinger after his win. “It [the win] is showing that the work that I’ve been putting in earlier in the summer has been paying off.”

Next up, the team has a few weeks off from the pools for some relaxation and a focus on strength and conditioning before they start jumping again in September.