Nordic Team Welcomes Four Newcomers as Fall Training Begins

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah Ski Team has welcomed four additions to the Nordic team for 2026, as introduced today by head Nordic coach Pierre Niess. The group includes a trio of freshmen in Mons Melbye (Oslo, Norway), Sofia Pedersen (Järpen, Sweden) and Ally Wheeler (Casper, Wyo.), in addition to an RMISA transfer in Selma Andersen (Oslo, Norway).

Quick hits follow on each of Utah's newest Nordic additions.

Selma Andersen – Oslo, Norway – Denver Pioneers

Familiar face in the ever-competitive RMISA, spending the 2023-25 seasons at Denver.
Thirty-two starts during her time with the Pioneers, finishing in the top-10 during 12 races (eight classic, four freestyle).
Seven top-10 placements as a sophomore in 2024, including in the 7.5K freestyle at NCAAs to earn second-team All-America.
Served as Denver's women's Nordic captain for 2025, earning seven top-20 results and two top-10s.
Raced with Roea IL in Norway before beginning her collegiate career in the U.S.

Andersen on the U: "I chose the University of Utah because it allows me to finish my skiing career while continuing my studies in a setting that fits my goals. The program structure and location make it possible for me to balance training with academics. I am looking forward to being in beautiful Salt Lake City."

Mons Melbye – Oslo, Norway - Årvoll I.L.

Raced with his local club, Årvoll I.L., turning his focus to Nordic skiing after stints with soccer and freeskiing.
Member of the Norwegian Junior National Team for the 2024-25 season.
Took bronze in the 10K classic at the 2024 Junior World Championships.
Represented Norway in the relay event at 2024 junior worlds, skiing the first leg as the team won a silver medal.
Bronze in the skate sprint at the 2025 Norwegian Championships.
Fourth place overall in the 2025 Norwegian Cup for 19 and 20-year-olds.

Melbye on the U: "I wanted to study in the U.S. and continue skiing at a high level. Therefore, I chose the University of Utah because I believe it is the best college in the U.S. for combining Nordic skiing with a strong academic education."

Sofia Pedersen - Järpen, Sweden - Järpens SK

Raced with Järpens SK in Sweden.
Earned two starts at the 2025 Junior World Championships in Italy, placing 11th in the classic sprints and 16th in the 10K freestyle.
Seven FIS podiums during the 2025 season, including a silver medal in the 10K freestyle at Sweden's junior nationals.
Placed second and third in a pair of freestyle sprints races after winning both qualifiers.

Pedersen on the U: "I chose the University of Utah because of the team spirit and culture. The landscape around Utah has fantastic nature to offer."

Ally Wheeler - Casper, Wyo. - Casper Nordic Club

Skied with Casper Nordic Club in Wyoming.
Eight top-10 results in FIS competitions during 2025, including three wins plus a runner-up freestyle sprints finish at U.S. Junior Nationals.
Qualified for the 2024 Junior World Championships in Slovenia, placing 24th in the 20K freestyle.
Was picked to represent the United States in the Scando Cup, racing in Falun, Sweden.

Wheeler on the U: "I chose the University of Utah for its prominent legacy in the sport of skiing and the world-class medical program. I also feel as though the coaching and my future teammates at Utah will help me reach the next level."

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Nordic Team Welcomes Four Newcomers as Fall Training Begins

Completed Event: Skiing versus 20K Freestyle (M) on March 8, 2025 , , 1st

Completed Event: Skiing versus Giant Slalom on March 7, 2025 , , 1st

Completed Event: Skiing versus 7.5K Classic (I) on March 6, 2025 , , 3rd

Completed Event: Skiing versus Slalom on March 5, 2025 , , T-3rd

Completed Event: Skiing versus Slalom on February 22, 2025 , , 1st

Completed Event: Skiing versus 20K Freestyle (M) on February 22, 2025 , , 1st

Completed Event: Skiing versus 7.5K Classic (I) on February 21, 2025 , , 1st

Completed Event: Skiing at Slalom on February 21, 2025 , , 2nd

Completed Event: Skiing versus Giant Slalom on February 20, 2025 , , 1st

Nordic Team Welcomes Four Newcomers as Fall Training Begins

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