NAC coach Rob Umstead earns national adaptive skiing honor

National Ability Center High Performance Team Head Coach Rob Umstead was recognized as U.S. Ski & Snowboard Adaptive Development Coach of the Year for his work supporting adaptive athletes in training and competition. Photo: National Ability Center

The High Performance Team head coach was named U.S. Ski & Snowboard Adaptive Development Coach of the Year.

PARK CITY, Utah — National Ability Center High Performance Team Head Coach Rob Umstead has been named U.S. Ski & Snowboard Adaptive Development Coach of the Year, recognizing his work with adaptive athletes competing at the highest levels of the sport.

The award honors coaches whose leadership and dedication directly affect athlete development and performance. For Umstead, that work has included guiding NAC athletes through training camps, race weekends, and international competition, while continuing to build a program that supports athletes at multiple stages of development.

Umstead has led the NAC High Performance Team for the past two years. This winter, he was also selected to serve on the U.S. Paralympic Team coaching staff for the Milano-Cortina Games.

Much of Umstead’s work happens outside the public eye, according to the NAC. His role includes reorganizing training plans around difficult weather conditions, coordinating travel and lodging, and securing on-snow training opportunities so athletes can focus on development and competition.

Umstead has helped expand access within high-performance adaptive sport, including supporting competition opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities. The NAC credited him with helping support the first Virtus-sanctioned race hosted in the United States.

Before joining the NAC, Umstead guided his wife, Danelle Umstead, through four Paralympic Games. Together, they earned three Paralympic medals and 53 World Cup podiums, an experience the NAC said continues to inform the way he coaches and connects with athletes.

For athletes on the High Performance Team, NAC leaders said Umstead has set a standard of professionalism, accountability, adaptability, and belief in what is possible.

“Coach Rob’s impact this season is undeniable,” the NAC said in announcing the award. “We are incredibly proud to see his leadership and dedication recognized on the national stage.”