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The University of Utah Athletics
Alpine Utes Welcome Five in ‘25
8/20/2024 1:00 PM | Skiing
SALT LAKE CITY – University of Utah head alpine skiing coach JJ Johnson revealed five newcomers to the team today.
The group of five total athletes includes three freshmen in Tatum Grosdidier (Wenatchee, Wash.), Johs Braathen Herland (Kongsberg, Norway) and Harry Hoffman (Sydney, Australia). In addition, the Utes will welcome two graduate transfers in former Westminster standout Evelina Fredricsson (Stockholm, Sweden) plus Simen Strand (Høvik, Norway), who began his career in the EISA at Saint Michael's College.
"We are incredibly excited to welcome our new group of alpine student-athletes this season," said Johnson. "This incoming class features not only talented freshmen but also two experienced transfers who bring a wealth of knowledge to our team. Together, they bring enthusiasm and passion for the sport. Their diverse backgrounds and unique skills will undoubtedly enrich our team dynamic and elevate our performance both on and off the slopes. Alongside our returning athletes, this new class promises to infuse our program with invigorating energy, and I can't wait to see what we can achieve together!"
Quick hits follow on each of Utah's newest alpine additions. The Utes welcomed five new student-athletes on the Nordic side of the house and will announce that group on Wednesday.
Evelina Fredricsson - Stockholm, Sweden – Westminster
Fredricsson on the U: "I've already been in Salt Lake City for four years and really enjoy the city. I know the team and coaches from before so I'm very excited to be a part of such a talented and fun team."
Tatum Grosdidier – Wenatchee, Washington – Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club
Grosdidier on the U: "I chose Utah because of their strong athletics program and top-notch facilities. I also chose Utah because I love the area and community around Salt Lake City."
Johs Braathen Herland – Kongsberg, Norway – Trønder Alpin
Herland on the U: "I chose the University of Utah because it provides excellent academics and is located near some of the best ski resorts in the world, allowing me to pursue my passion for skiing while studying. The unique combination of strong academics and easy access to outdoor activities makes it the ideal choice for me."
Harry Hoffman – Sydney, Australia – Burke Mountain Academy
Hoffman on the U: "I chose Utah because of its ski team; I am very familiar with the team. Getting to see into how the team works and the team atmosphere looks like an environment I can thrive in. I have also heard a lot of good things about the business school, and business is something I would like to study and learn more about."
Simen Strand – Høvik, Norway – Saint Michael's College
Strand on the U: "The experienced coaches, and proven track record in combination with an academic program suiting my career goals are all part of why I chose Utah. Through friends on the program, I have heard great things, and it seems like best next step for me to grow as an athlete and academically."
Follow the Utah Ski Team on social media @utahskiteam.
The group of five total athletes includes three freshmen in Tatum Grosdidier (Wenatchee, Wash.), Johs Braathen Herland (Kongsberg, Norway) and Harry Hoffman (Sydney, Australia). In addition, the Utes will welcome two graduate transfers in former Westminster standout Evelina Fredricsson (Stockholm, Sweden) plus Simen Strand (Høvik, Norway), who began his career in the EISA at Saint Michael's College.
"We are incredibly excited to welcome our new group of alpine student-athletes this season," said Johnson. "This incoming class features not only talented freshmen but also two experienced transfers who bring a wealth of knowledge to our team. Together, they bring enthusiasm and passion for the sport. Their diverse backgrounds and unique skills will undoubtedly enrich our team dynamic and elevate our performance both on and off the slopes. Alongside our returning athletes, this new class promises to infuse our program with invigorating energy, and I can't wait to see what we can achieve together!"
Quick hits follow on each of Utah's newest alpine additions. The Utes welcomed five new student-athletes on the Nordic side of the house and will announce that group on Wednesday.
Evelina Fredricsson - Stockholm, Sweden – Westminster
- Three-time NCAA All-American, including a slalom runner-up result at the 2022 NCAA Championships in Park City
- Three-time All-RMISA (First Team in 2022 and '23; Second Team in 2024)
- Forty-seven total starts in her Westminster career from 2021-24, skiing to 10 podiums
- Two podiums during the 2024 season, both in GS at the Spencer F. Eccles Olympic Mountain Center at the Utah Olympic Park
- Competed with the Swedish National Team prior to college, racking up five podiums at the Swedish National Championships
Fredricsson on the U: "I've already been in Salt Lake City for four years and really enjoy the city. I know the team and coaches from before so I'm very excited to be a part of such a talented and fun team."
Tatum Grosdidier – Wenatchee, Washington – Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club
- Made her U.S. Ski Team debut in 2023-24, recording three podiums on the season
- Placed third in Super G and fourth in giant slalom at the 2024 U.S. National Championships
- Has raced on the Nor-Am circuit since 2022, with eight podiums in 2024 and a Super G win
- Qualified for the 2024 Junior World Championships, making three starts with a 14th-place giant slalom result
- Won the slalom title at U.S. Junior Nationals in 2022
Grosdidier on the U: "I chose Utah because of their strong athletics program and top-notch facilities. I also chose Utah because I love the area and community around Salt Lake City."
Johs Braathen Herland – Kongsberg, Norway – Trønder Alpin
- Was part of Norway's winning parallel team at the 2024 FIS Junior World Championships
- Also placed fifth in Super G, eighth in GS and 14th in slalom at Junior Worlds
- Raced at the European Cup with the Norwegian National Team, including a personal-best 15th place in giant slalom in 2023
- Competed at the 2024 Norway National Championships, highlighted with a runner-up in Super G and 21st in giant slalom
- Won silver in slalom at the 2022 European Youth Olympic Festival
Herland on the U: "I chose the University of Utah because it provides excellent academics and is located near some of the best ski resorts in the world, allowing me to pursue my passion for skiing while studying. The unique combination of strong academics and easy access to outdoor activities makes it the ideal choice for me."
Harry Hoffman – Sydney, Australia – Burke Mountain Academy
- Named to Australia's National Alpine 'B' Team for 2024-25
- 2024 Snow Australia Alpine Junior Athlete of the Year
- Nine FIS podiums over the past four seasons, including a giant slalom win in 2024
- Placed 22nd in giant slalom at the 2024 U.S. National Championships
- Top finishes at the 2024 Italian National Championships included 14th in slalom and 12th in GS (junior)
- Sister is Utah Ski Team alumna Madison Hoffman, who was a two-time individual NCAA Champion and four-time All-American with the Utes
Hoffman on the U: "I chose Utah because of its ski team; I am very familiar with the team. Getting to see into how the team works and the team atmosphere looks like an environment I can thrive in. I have also heard a lot of good things about the business school, and business is something I would like to study and learn more about."
Simen Strand – Høvik, Norway – Saint Michael's College
- Spent the 2021-24 collegiate seasons at Saint Michael's College in Vermont
- Five-time NCAA All-American (including First Team SL in 2022)
- Three-time All-EISA (First Team in 2022 and '24; Second Team in 2023)
- No. 1-ranked men's alpine skier in the EISA for the 2024 season
- Finished in the top-10 in 12 of 14 collegiate starts last season
- Six podiums during his senior year at SMC and 10 in his career
- Won the slalom at the 2024 UVM Carnival
Strand on the U: "The experienced coaches, and proven track record in combination with an academic program suiting my career goals are all part of why I chose Utah. Through friends on the program, I have heard great things, and it seems like best next step for me to grow as an athlete and academically."
Follow the Utah Ski Team on social media @utahskiteam.
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