Mackenzie Matters - Driver & Professional Snowboarder
Mackenzie Matters
Snowboarding, and Commitment, Matters
Professional snowboarder Mackenzie Matters plans to debut a
never-before-seen trick on her snowboard sometime soon. And while
she won't provide any hints at what it might be, Mackenzie is at
least willing to share how she was inspired.
"It just came to me while I was driving one night," she
laughs.
Mackenzie has driven for CME for the past 3 seasons. The
drive from Summit County to DIA might provide time for creative and
inspiring thoughts, but it also accommodates her training
needs.
"I drive at night, which allows me to be on the mountain during
the day," Mackenzie says. "More days on the snow will equal
more success."
Mackenzie estimates she spends approximately 200 days
snowboarding each year. Although she has been in Summit
County for 5 years (and plans on being here forever), Mackenzie
often spends her summers at Mt Hood, OR, or New Zealand in order to
reach this number of days. All of the training and travel is
necessary … Mackenzie hopes to qualify for the 2014 Olympics.
"I have a full-time coach now, and I do receive a lot of gear
from sponsors," Mackenzie says. "I need to develop a little more
financial support in order to travel and compete in the 2 -3 events
every month that it takes to qualify."
Mackenzie had hoped to qualify this season, but tore her ACL
training last year.
Mackenzie explains that in order to qualify in 2014, she will
need to finish as a top 4 finisher in 5 events in order to earn the
points necessary to be invited to the U.S. Olympic squad.
Although Mackenzie started skiing at age 8 in her native
Minnesota, her love of snowboarding didn't begin until age 17. Her
love of the sport developed so quickly that Mackenzie gave up a
potential college career in hockey.
Mackenzie's skills developed just as quickly: In just 2
years, at age 19, Mackenzie qualified for the Jr. World
Championships in Switzerland where she placed 12th in a
half-pipe event.
In addition to her personal quest for gold in 2014, Mackenzie
has dedicated he her life to helping other youth achieve their
snowboarding dreams as well. She founded the International
Academy of the Mountains in Frisco, where elite athletes, ages
13-19, can pursue full-time training. Currently 14 students are
enrolled in the academy, including participants from New Zealand,
Chile, and Australia.
"I started (the academy) with earnings from some of my
snowboarding events," Mackenzie says. "It's basically
self-funded through tuition, which is kept as low as possible.
"I was inspired to create the academy by the outrageous costs
associated with attending other academies," she says. "I want
to provide training opportunities to as many kids as possible, not
just the wealthy."
In addition to training, participants at the academy receive
food and board, academic studies, and most importantly,
supervision. All academy attendees are required to sign a code of
conduct agreement.
"One of my most important personal goals is to change the
stereotypes associated with snowboarding," Mackenzie says.
"I'm probably left on the outside of some circles because of my
commitment to morals and ethical beliefs.
"But that's okay," she says. "I hope to be a positive role
model."
For a look at all of Mackenzie's accomplishments (too many to
list here), visit her website at www.snowboardingmatters.com.