Big Dogs in the News

Jeanne Rose
Recent media coverage has highlighted the far-reaching impact of Carrabassett Valley Academy’s people and programs, underscoring the role CVA plays in developing world-class athletes and a culture of excellence.
In a feature from NBC Boston, alpine legend Mikaela Shiffrin reflected on the individuals who helped shape her career, pointing to CVA Head Women’s FIS Alpine Coach Kirk Dwyer. Shiffrin shared her appreciation for Dwyer’s influence during her formative years, noting that his guidance helped catalyze her trajectory at a pivotal moment. 

Shiffrin said of Coach Dwyer: "You really were a catalyst for my career to take off at a time when we weren’t sure and didn’t necessarily know, and there wasn’t anything to prove. So, I really appreciate what I learned from my time working with you." Watch the interview here.

CVA’s broader role in the athlete development pipeline has also been featured in national and industry publications. Ski Racing Media explored the theme in The Path to the Olympics Runs Through Narrow Gauge, highlighting how CVA’s training environment, facilities, and coaching expertise continue to prepare athletes for success on the world stage.

Similarly, That Snowboarding Blog spotlighted Maine’s unique high-performance ecosystem in The Gold Standard: Why the Road to the Podium Runs Through Maine, pointing to CVA as a central contributor to the region’s reputation for producing elite competitors across disciplines.

Together, these stories reinforce what the CVA community sees every day: a program built on expertise, relationships, and a shared commitment to helping student-athletes reach their full potential—on snow and beyond.

Suggested Articles

List of 3 news stories.

  • A Message from CVA's Head of School

    Dear CVA Community,

    As we move into the final stretch of the school year, there is much to celebrate across campus. Spring is always an exciting time at CVA as we honor the progress our student-athletes have made and look ahead to important milestones still to come.
    Read More
  • Introducing the Big Dog Class of 2026: Back row (left to right): Derek Barbie, Jake Bock, Aidan Butler, Tristan Healey, Jack Hepburn, Trenton Wadas Front row (left to right): Joshua Paquette, Rocco Lazzaro, Giancarlo Stien, Kenadie Dickey, Lauren Waskowitz, Sofia Murray, Abigail Manson, Lucia Littlefield, Ali Bruno, Bridget Sapak, Madeline Bruguier Missing from photo: Lilly Mae Awamleh, Alexander Bateman, Tanner Bland, Jamison Hering, Walker Wolfe

    Celebrating the CVA Class of 2026

    Carrabassett Valley Academy will celebrate the Class of 2026 during Commencement Weekend on June 5 and 6. The weekend will honor a group of student-athletes whose dedication, perseverance, and growth have left a lasting impact on the CVA community.
    Read More

  • CVA Welcomes New Coaching Staff

    CVA is pleased to announce several coaching additions and leadership updates across the Alpine and Freestyle programs for the coming year. These changes strengthen athlete development pathways and reinforce collaboration between the Weekend Program and Academy teams.
    Read More
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3197 Carrabassett Drive
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 (207) 237-2250
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