Most people think of December as a time for holidays being at home. For me, it’s the most impactful part of the season.

While many are settling in at home for the holidays, I’m packing skis and rifle, saying goodbye to Alaska, and heading into the races that determine where the year ahead will take me.

The U.S. Biathlon Youth and Junior International Team Trials bring together the strongest young biathletes in the country, all competing for a limited number of international opportunities. In past seasons, my age group typically included around 20–25 athletes. This year, nearly 40 girls stood on the start line. Seeing those number really proves how much the biathlon has expanded in the U.S.

Many of us have raced each other for years. These trials are often the only time we all come together in one place, which makes them feel less like a single event and more like a reunion. We’ve spent the last several Christmases in small host towns or traveling between races, learning how to celebrate with what we have wherever we are. The environment is competitive, but it’s also familiar. It is shaped by shared seasons, shared challenges, and a mutual understanding of what it takes to be here.

This year’s races were especially demanding because of the conditions. The wind on the range was unpredictable and strong. It required extra attention and constant adjustment. In biathlon, timing is a big factor. Knowing when to wait, when to shoot, and how to stay composed when margins are tight and can define a race. These trials required patience and commitment, even when conditions were less than optimal.

I’m proud of how I handled those challenges. While I know I’m capable of more and continue working toward that standard, I feel centered in how these races unfolded. Growth doesn’t always show up as immediate results. Sometimes it can look like learning to race through unfamiliar difficulty and staying steady when conditions test you.

I’ve qualified for the Junior IBU Cup Team and will be racing internationally this winter. That path includes travel, training, and competition across Europe and represents an important step in my long-term development as an athlete.

While I did not qualify for Junior World Championships this season, my winter is far from over. I’m currently training in Norway and will continue racing here as part of my development this winter. Competing in European fields provides valuable experience and perspective, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue building through these races.

No matter how those pieces come together, this period of training and racing in Norway is an important part of my development. I’m excited to gain experience, learn from international fields, and continue to build toward future seasons!

This season is largely self-funded at the development level, and international racing carries real costs related to travel, coaching support, equipment service, ammunition, and race logistics.

For those who have asked how to support this phase of my season, I’ve shared a fundraising page below. Any level of support helps make continued training and racing possible, and I’m grateful for the encouragement I’ve received along the way.

GoFundMe Link!