Alayna checking in
Alayna Sonnesyn here writing to you from an altitude camp in Aspen, CO! It’s been quite a whirlwind of the last few months for me with a lot of change and new things. All of which have brought some incredible self growth! For those of you who don’t know me, I grew up in Plymouth, MN, skied for Wayzata High School (amongst a plethora of other sports and activities). I moved out to Vermont in 2014 to attend the University of Vermont where I competed as a catamount for four years. After graduation, I joined the SMS T2 team in 2018 where I developed into a World Cup level skier following fellow Minnesotan, Jessie Diggins. After a total of 10 years of living in Vermont, I felt like I was in need of change. After having the opportunity to race in front of a home crowd at the Minneapolis World Cup this past year, I was brought to tears by the unconditional love and support the Midwest community poured in my direction. It was so inspiring to see the crowds and the cheering went far deeper than I think any one spectator realized. In that moment, I knew it was time for me to come home.
This past spring, I packed up most of my belongings in Vermont and made my way back to Minneapolis to join Team Birkie. In just a few months I have felt reconnected to the folks who taught me how to ski, cheered for me at the Birkie every year, and have supported me through so many ups and downs. It’s been so great to meet some of the younger skiers through the Team Birkie college program and in our community events with LNR, REG and just seeing people out on the local bike paths. A few weeks ago I was stopped by a coach and athlete while rollerskiing around Carver Park. We exchanged a few words, talked about summer training and the upcoming season. I was instantly reminded of the countless hours I had spent with my coaches and high school teammates ripping around the Three Rivers Park bike paths. It felt full-circle to me. It is so special to have the opportunity to be a part of the community that is working together to inspire the next generation of nordic skiers.
I’m still getting used to the city traffic in Minneapolis and I’m always on the hunt for new hills and great pavement (send me a message if you have any recommendations!) but already it’s been an incredible shift for me. I am feeling excited for what is to come with Team Birkie and the greater Midwest ski community!
