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The University of Utah Athletics
Raphael Lessard Joins Utah Alpine Squad
8/11/2022 3:00 PM | Skiing
SALT LAKE CITY – The University of Utah ski team and head alpine coach JJ Johnson officially welcomed Granby, Québec native Raphael Lessard to the program on Thursday.
Johnson said, "It's exciting to welcome a skier of Raphael's ability to Utah. Coming off of our third straight NCAA championship, our goal is to attract the top skiers in the world to train and compete at the best facilities and on the best snow. More importantly, his work ethic and excitement fit in our culture of what we strive for at Utah. Having fun while working hard will make fast skiers and even better individuals. He has traveled and trained around the world, and as such we're excited about what he brings to the team and the opportunities ahead for Raphael."
Representing Canada, Lessard highlighted the 2022 racing season with competition at the FIS Junior World Championships, turning in top-10 finishes both in giant slalom and downhill. Lessard was also part of a Canadian National Team that claimed victory in the mixed team parallel.
He had a career-best nine podiums in FIS races during 2022, including two victories—one apiece in giant slalom and super G. Lessard appeared at the 2022 French National Championships with top-10 results in giant slalom and alpine combined.
"I chose the University of Utah because of its highly competitive skiing program designed for high performance," said Lessard of the U. "It proved to be one of the best universities for combining high-level learning and skiing."
A complete rundown of Lessard's racing history is available on his FIS profile.
Utah won its third straight NCAA Championship in 2022, as well as the program's fourth in the last five completed championship meets, all led by director of skiing Fredrik Landstedt. All-time, the Utes have won 15 national titles and 14 NCAA crowns.
Follow the Utes on social media (@utahskiteam).
Johnson said, "It's exciting to welcome a skier of Raphael's ability to Utah. Coming off of our third straight NCAA championship, our goal is to attract the top skiers in the world to train and compete at the best facilities and on the best snow. More importantly, his work ethic and excitement fit in our culture of what we strive for at Utah. Having fun while working hard will make fast skiers and even better individuals. He has traveled and trained around the world, and as such we're excited about what he brings to the team and the opportunities ahead for Raphael."
Representing Canada, Lessard highlighted the 2022 racing season with competition at the FIS Junior World Championships, turning in top-10 finishes both in giant slalom and downhill. Lessard was also part of a Canadian National Team that claimed victory in the mixed team parallel.
He had a career-best nine podiums in FIS races during 2022, including two victories—one apiece in giant slalom and super G. Lessard appeared at the 2022 French National Championships with top-10 results in giant slalom and alpine combined.
"I chose the University of Utah because of its highly competitive skiing program designed for high performance," said Lessard of the U. "It proved to be one of the best universities for combining high-level learning and skiing."
A complete rundown of Lessard's racing history is available on his FIS profile.
Utah won its third straight NCAA Championship in 2022, as well as the program's fourth in the last five completed championship meets, all led by director of skiing Fredrik Landstedt. All-time, the Utes have won 15 national titles and 14 NCAA crowns.
Follow the Utes on social media (@utahskiteam).
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