WAITSBURG-Waitsburg High School Freshman, Karissa Potts, started skiing at age three with her dad Casey. Later Casey signed up Karissa to be a coach for the Special Olympics team. He thought she would be good at it, and he was right, as Karissa has been a coach for the past ten years.

Every Saturday from January through March, Karissa is at Bluewood coaching a beginner skier and two middle school students who ski at the intermediate level. The team traveled to Mission Ridge the weekend of March 3rd for the State Special Olympics Winter Games.

Karissa coaches as she enjoys helping others and is excited to see the improvement the skiers make throughout the season.  "It is fun to see the skiers advance from skiing on the bunny hill to taking the lift to the top of the mountain," stated Karissa. 

While talking with Karissa, I could tell she is passionate about coaching Special Olympic athletes.  She encourages and challenges them, creating a fun environment for each athlete to succeed. 

Karissa's mom, Angela, said that she is not a skier herself, just a supporter.

She said, "I'm very proud of her commitment and kindness towards the athletes she supports.  Karissa truly enjoys helping the athletes build their ski skills while being a friendly face encouraging them to have fun."

Waitsburg resident, Prescott teacher, and Special Olympic coach Jodi Gradwohl has known Karissa since she taught her in kindergarten.

"Karissa does a wonderful job coaching Special Olympic athletes. She is very patient and kind to everyone on our team. I'm especially impressed with how well she skis," said Gradwohl.

Dad said, "I am extremely proud of the young woman that she is developing into. She is incredibly reliable, and this year she took the increased responsibility of two additional athletes."

Karissa is sure to be back on the slopes next year to encourage and coach the Special Olympic athletes.