Our Coaches are part of our ski racing family, many of whom grew up skiing with the Sunshine Speedsters and the Sunshine Alpine Racers. These individuals are mentors and role models to the Speedster athletes.
David Anderson
Speedsters Head Coach and Program Director
CSCF Level 2, CSIA Level 2
David began his ski-racing career in his dad’s backpack at Red Mountain when he was too small to have skis on his own feet. Since his early intro to skiing he has been involved in ski racing in some capacity ever since. He was an athlete on the Canadian Ski team for 8 years, and competed in the 2002 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. He has been coaching at the K1 or NGSL levels since 2005.
David holds a BSc. in Civil/Structural Engineering from the University of Calgary, and works in Project Manager for Target Project Management. When he doesn’t have skis on his feet, you can find David in the mountains hiking or mountain biking. He now brings his energy for competition into cross country mountain bike racing, competing in various events throughout the province.
David loves the sport of skiing and ski racing (as any athlete or parent who has been around him will tell you). His mission… “to share the passion and enthusiasm I have for sport with as many athletes as possible.”
Sherry Lawrence
U12 Head Coach
CSCF Level 2
Personal Philosophy: “Life is a journey not a destination. Do small things each day that help you realize your goals and you will achieve them. Focus on the finish line and you will never get there.”
Sherry found her love of skiing growing up racing at Nakiska. She raced on the Canadian National team for 7 years, held several North American Cup titles, and competed in the 2006 Olympics. For the last 7 years Sherry has been passing on her passion for the sport through coaching because every day she gets to see young athletes setting and achieving their goals however big or small.
According to Sherry, “Sunshine is the best hill to learn to ski and race in Alberta because of the terrain, snow conditions, and the small ski hill feel. Some of the best racers and all-round skiers come from Sunshine because we have an amazing outdoor playground.”
Off the hill, Sherry has a Business Degree, and a Masters in Architecture. She wants every young athlete to have the same opportunities she had to be successful in all their life ambitions.
Scott Anderson
NGSL Head Coach
CSCF Level 1
Scott started skiing at the young age of 2, at Red Mountain. In his first couple of seasons he became a connoisseur of hot chocolate and lodge sitting but the mountain soon became the place he most wanted to be. “I would watch the older kids ski around in the Nancy Greene Ski League, and as soon as I turned 5 and was old enough to join… I was in!”
For the next 20 years Scott followed his passion. “Ski racing allowed me to make countless great friends, work with some amazing coaches, and travel to many fascinating places around the world.” Scott competed on the BC Ski Team and the National Development Team after which he accepted a ski racing scholarship in the US where his helped his team win a national title 2 out of the 4 years he competed. “It really was an incredible journey, and I am very excited to now be back in the Canadian ski racing community, sharing my own passion for the sport with the kids in the club.”
With his background as a Slalom and GS racer, Scott coaches with a strong focus on technical free skiing while also beginning to incorporate more gate training into the daily routine. Scott lives for powder and so do the Speedsters so whenever there is a powder day you can find him with his group scoping out fresh lines cultivating a wide range of skills. Off the mountain Scott is a Power Lineman working for Enmax and he brings electricity to the club! Watching young athletes ski after a couple months with Scott will shock you.
“We are a race club that strives to develop strong young racers that love ski racing, and love being in the mountains. If we can contribute in any small way to them being good honest people as well then we have been successful. I look forward to another great season and hope to see you all on the slopes and as part of the Sunshine Speedsters.”
Pierre Grabinski
NGSL Coach
CSCF Level 1
“The best way to get better at skiing is to do something that scares you a little every day”. Pierre learned this quote from a coach and applied it to his skiing and other facets of his life.
Pierre’s first ski experience was at 2, wrapped in a one-piece snowsuit, unwilling to turn or even slow down for that matter. He soon realized turning had its merits; however, when Fortress was still open, you could often spot the Grabinskis spending their winter weekends out on the slopes or reminiscing about the day’s runs by the fireplace at the end of the day.
Pierre started racing in K2, and continued through first year FIS with Sunshine Alpine Racers. He has competed in all 4 alpine events and remembers the Apex downhill most fondly – it’s not often you get a whole run to yourself to ski as fast as you can. If you catch up with Pierre, he is also likely to tell you about the epic powder days he’s had while on the road.
Coaching is another way for Pierre to pass on the warmth of a ski team’s spirit and the wisdom of his coaches to another generation of racers. The advice he gives young racers is to always enjoy oneself; luckily, at Sunshine there is a mountain for every mood.
When Pierre isn’t wearing ski boots, he is working towards his law degree at the University of Calgary. He enjoys travelling, playing the piano and guitar, and spending time in the mountains.
