Name: Kiera Kemppainen

Sport: Ski

Grade: Senior

How long have you been skiing?

“I have been skiing for about fifteen years since I started when I was two. This is my fourth year racing.”

What other sports do you play at FHC?

“In the fall, I play golf.”

What is your best memory from your time skiing?

“I love our annual holiday party and our trips to Caberfae. It’s a lot of fun to be with the team outside of normal practices and races.”

What are the strengths of this year’s team?

“We have a lot of returning racers this year, especially on the girl’s side. Our team is looking good for this year since almost everyone already has at least one year of racing experience. We also have some really talented sophomore girls, Addy Quinn and Chloe Cox, who will definitely be leading our scores again this year.”

What are your individual goals for this season? 

“I really hope for the team to qualify for states and that I place in some top ten spots at races.”

Who is the biggest influence in your athletic career and why?

“My dad has always been pushing me to work harder and get better in both of my sports. He’s always encouraging me to work on my technique but also to enjoy my time with my team.”

Do you have any superstitions associated with your meets?

“I always have to be wearing my pink racing gloves with no hand warmers, even if it’s freezing, and my hair needs to be braided. I also have to tighten my boots as tight as possible as soon as my flight gets called into the line, and I can’t wear a coat or a cape when I get close to being in the gate.”

What is your favorite class this year and why?

“I really like AP Literature because Mrs. Penninga is super nice, and I like English in general.”