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 the Head of School

    Dear CVA Community,
    Congratulations to our student-athletes on a strong and rewarding season. You have represented our community with consistency and determination, showing real commitment to your training, grit in competition, and sportsmanship in how you show up for one another. These efforts reflect the Big Dog values: kindness, respect, commitment, and gratitude.
    Read More
  • Championship Season Highlights

    CVA athletes delivered standout performances across championship events at the regional, national, and international levels. From podium finishes at national competitions to international success on the world stage, CVA athletes demonstrated the depth, versatility, and commitment that define the Big Dog community.
    Read More
  • Writing Like Scientists at CVA

    Formal lab report writing has been a cornerstone of the CVA Science Department for many years. First instituted by teachers and published scientists, Karen Lanoue-Egan, M.S., and Shelley Koenig, M.S., this practice now spans the science curriculum.
    Read More
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