Who has the most fun in the snow? Nordic skiers! Training on ever-growing landscapes of man-made and natural snow at the Weston Ski Track, and spending some fun-filled weekends on idyllic trails and steep mountains throughout New England, the Acton-Boxborough-Nashoba (ABN) Nordic Ski team had a fantastic 2025 season! The girls’ team sped to 2nd place in the Mass Bay West League and 3rd place at the State Championships, their best results in nearly a decade. The boys raced to a successful 4th place in the league and 9th place at States.
As for individual achievements, Junior Shay Bernard was selected as an All-Scholastic Athlete by the Boston Globe, in addition to finishing 3rd in the league and 7th at States. Crowning an impressive four-year trajectory, Caroline Burianek earned 2nd in the league and 13th at States. Tying Caroline at States, Charlotte Duhamel, in her 3rd year as a top ABN competitor, finished 8th in the league. Senior Captain Abby Depew raced her way to 20th in the Mass Bay West League.
For the boys, Junior Matthew Krieger finished 4th in the league and 18th at states, while Junior Liam Garnett finished 7th in the league and 48th at states. Senior Captains Matias Kvalsvik and Espen Wellner finished the season 12th and 20th in the League, respectively. Kvalsvik racked up major points for the team by finishing 2nd or 3rd in every single race, including a team 2nd at States. Wellner closely followed, adding scores with perfect consistency.
First-year Head Coach Sarah Shamel led the team with technical skill and joy, and is being honored by the Boston Globe as a Coach of the Year. The team’s three assistant coaches, Jenna Frizzell, Tamar Salant, and Drew Messinger, were also instrumental in ensuring the successful season. Each coached practices, taught race strategy, provided critical race motivation, and led travel to broaden training.
This team has always been a welcoming home for a diverse group of students, ranging from first-time athletes to future Division 1 college skiers, most of whom never tried the sport before joining ABN Nordic. Some enjoy the many social opportunities, while others fall in love with the physical challenge, but all are really hooked by the Nordic community and spirit. When asked about her hopes for next year, Coach Shamel said she is excited to “expand on our momentum from this year, to keep building a strong team that has fun together, both on and off the snow.”
Max Kaufmann is a junior and member of the Nordic Ski Team at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School. He aspires to be an English major in college.
Laura Krieger is a parent of three competitive Nordic skiers who inspire her to work hard to learn that amazing lifelong sport and support the Nordic skiing community.