PARK CITY, UT (July 6, 2016) – The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) has announced the promotion of Julie Glusker to head of athlete career and education (ACE). Glusker steps into this role after George ‘Jory’ Macomber’s departure this spring to become head of school at Burke Mountain Academy.
As an education and client service-oriented professional, Glusker joined the USSA two years ago as assistant head of TEAM Academy under Macomber. In those two years, she has been responsible for various USSA ACE programs, including TEAM Academy, financial aid, college partnerships, tuition reimbursement and the Marolt Athlete Endowment. She also is helping to build and establish athlete transition and career services for alumni athletes.
“It is very important for our USSA athletes to have support academically, financially, and professionally in addition to athletically,” said Glusker. “Many studies have shown the benefit sport brings to academics and vice versa. Athletes gain an advantage from incorporating intellectual, academic, and community activities into their athletic regimens. Achieving this mental, physical and emotional balance also increases an athlete’s longevity in sport.”
In recent years, the USSA has seen a cultural shift amongst its athletes and staff towards embracing education and career pathways. In 2015-16, over 40 national team athletes participated in USSA’s college partnership with Westminster College and over 50 athletes utilized USSA’s tuition reimbursement plan. Total credit hours are up 16% from 2014.
“We’ve had a record number of USSA athletes participating in high school and college programs,” stated Glusker. “There is a palpable, positive buzz among the athletes, team managers, sport directors and coaches about the value of integrating and aligning education, career opportunities and community engagement with their athletic pursuits. We are very excited to continue building relevant services and programs for alumni athletes, helping them prepare for pursuits beyond the slopes.”
To keep pace with the dynamic and rapidly evolving world of online education, USSA’s Athlete Career and Education program is also expanding and innovating the high school education program. The program will evolve from the TEAM Academy model into a broader-based educational model to serve all national team athletes. The baseline set of academic services for high school and college-aged athletes will be program-agnostic and include curricular advising, education plans, college guidance, general tutoring and exam proctoring. Scholarship and grant application support will also be available.
“This more inclusive approach in our education programs will allow us to support each national team athlete on their high school or college track and within their individual school program,” said USSA President and CEO Tiger Shaw. “Julie has done a fantastic job working with and supporting our athletes. Her guidance, expertise and strong leadership skills will help us successfully make this transition to better support all our athletes for years to come.”
