Jayden Buckrell is set to embark on his journey at the University of New Hampshire, supported by a scholarship that will assist with tuition fees and racing expenses.
The University of New Hampshire, a Division 1 National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) institution, boasts a diverse ski team comprising athletes from various countries including the United States, Canada, Norway, Sweden, Australia, and Italy.
“It’s been a goal I’ve been working towards for nearly four years, so it’s a huge relief for me and my family,” Buckrell expressed.
With only nine Division 1 NCAA ski schools, each offering approximately six spots for athletes, Buckrell joins a select group of about 54 Division 1 ski racers in the NCAA circuit.
The season ahead includes six carnival weekends featuring dual races, culminating in the NCAA championships. His academic focus will center on business administration, with hopes of enjoying downtime by the ocean, just a short 15-minute drive from campus.
Buckrell, 20, graduated from Collingwood Collegiate Institute in 2022 and spent two gap years competing on the North American circuit, aiming to qualify for the provincial and national teams. Introduced to skiing at the age of two by his father, a coach at Osler Bluff Ski Club, Buckrell has also benefited from training at his mother’s facility, Active Life Conditioning.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the support and resources I’ve had,” Buckrell remarked. “It’s made a significant difference in my journey.”
In addition to his competitive pursuits, Buckrell gives back by coaching younger athletes at Osler Bluff and Active Life, inspired by role models he encountered during his career, including a former NCAA racer.
Over the past two years, he has raced and trained across various international and North American locations, including Italy, France, Austria, Chile, the United States, Belgium, Switzerland, British Columbia, and Quebec.
While narrowly missing out on a spot on the Canadian national team this year, Buckrell will continue to pursue his dream alongside NCAA competition by participating in the North American Cup circuit. His preferred disciplines are slalom and giant slalom, where races can reach speeds of up to 130 to 140 km/h.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties of ski racing, Buckrell remains determined to compete at the World Cup level for Canada, emphasizing the sport’s mental fortitude and occasional setbacks.
Ahead of his departure to New Hampshire, Buckrell will join the Ontario Alpine team for training in Chile before beginning his collegiate journey. While he has secured a scholarship, he seeks additional sponsorships to cover race fees and equipment expenses necessary for his continued pursuit of national team qualification. For more information on supporting Buckrell, visit his fundraising website.