Eliska Albrigtsen has started her first season as the Head Nordic Skiing Coach at the University of Denver, following her appointment on September 8. She previously led the University of Alaska Fairbanks Nordic skiing and cross country running programs for six seasons, where her teams consistently ranked in the top ten overall and among the top six in Nordic standings at NCAA Championships.
Albrigtsen is a former Czechia national team member and competed collegiately for the University of Colorado from 2010 to 2013. During her time with Colorado, she earned six All-American honors and finished in the top ten in 45 out of 48 races.
At Denver, Albrigtsen will work closely with Otto Tschudi Head Alpine Skiing Coach Joonas Rasanen to lead a program that holds a record 24 NCAA national titles.
In an interview earlier this fall, Albrigtsen discussed her career path: “I was recruited to ski for the [Colorado] Buffaloes by Richie Rokos and Bruce Cranmer was a great guide through college as my coach on the Nordic side. I never wanted to be a coach really thinking about it before that, because the coaches I had before they were just standing by the side of the trail freezing. I’m like, ‘Um I don’t think that’s fun.’ But Bruce was the first coach that actually skied with us and that was so beneficial because he saw what we were doing out there while we are doing intervals where we’re doing technique. So, you know that kind of gave me the idea of, ‘wow this is something that I would be really into.’ On top of it I studied physiology. Biomechanics of Nordic skiing was actually the focus that I had. So, I learned a lot about how the physics of Nordic skiing work and as I was coming through the years of the college education I worked on research in that field. I realized I need to pass this onto people because if everyone knows how to do this in such an efficient way, everyone can enjoy it so much more.”
She emphasized how her background supports her coaching approach: “I really focus highly on the biomechanics of it because, you know, you can’t fight science, at least I believe you can’t. So I teach and coach through science, through the biomechanics and physiology, that’s the strongest background I have. And you know, the high level of racing I did in the world and the U.S.. So together, I think that’s kind of the credit that I am bringing, and I think that my new athletes are really listening to it and it’s easier for them to buy-in because they know what I am doing. A lot of them do have science majors, so that helps.”
Reflecting on her experiences as an athlete representing Czechia internationally: “This is something that I get asked actually quite a lot, and I think the longer I’m coaching the longer I’m realizing that I’m not trying to think about who I am as a coach and how I’m doing it. I’m just being myself. So I’m just trying to acquire knowledge through experience and education that I then pass onto people. So, you know, that’s for all beginning college coaches or even high school or even little ones out there—just be yourself…”
Regarding challenges faced during her tenure in Alaska: “Similarly to here, I like working with diversity and something that’s working against me… We had so much snow and so early that early preparation on roller skis was really a struggle… our time off being able to practice… three or four hours a day when it’s daylight… Also recruiting up to Alaska… But nature there… brought us success.” She added why she chose Denver: “…that’s another challenge… but when something is too easy … It doesn’t push me.”
On joining Denver’s program: “Super hard workers … always … tradition … support … When looking through DU website … ‘former Olympians’ … most from ski team … crazy… admired … wanted to work with…” She also mentioned plans for recruiting more American athletes from Colorado.
Albrigtsen speaks two languages fluently but understands up to four.
Discussing collaboration within Denver’s coaching staff: “(Alpine ski coaches) Joonas [Rasanen] and M.R. [Hostetter] are actually in a very similar graduating class as I was… excited to work with them… pressure makes diamonds…. working alongside coaches—skiing is one sport but downhill & Nordic are so different…. appealing because when you’re just working kind of in your own bubble there is really no growth.”
Kayin Afonja contributed reporting.
