Women's Coaching Initiative Preview: Where are they headed?

In May 2024, U.S. Biathlon released its Women’s Coaching Initiative, a program designed to increase the number, experience and visibility of female biathlon coaches in the U.S. and internationally and inspire future generations of female coaches and athletes. The initiative, building on the coaching apprenticeship opportunities available over the past several years, will provide formal mentorship and professional development opportunities for the eight female coaches named to this year’s program. Schedules were developed with each coach, based on their availability and interest both in level of coaching and work preference.

Annelies Cook, 2014 Olympian, has been involved with U.S. Biathlon since 2001, first as an athlete, then wax technician and now coach. Currently residing in Germany, Cook assisted with U.S. Biathlon’s European altitude camp this summer and is scheduled to be with the team at the pre-season camp in Vuokatti, two World Cups and the pre-World Championships team camp in Italy. 

Annika Martell, competitive cross-country skier turned coach, spent time as a coaching intern with U.S. Biathlon following her graduation from Colby College. She was a U.S. Ski and Snowboard Trail to Gold fellow and currently coaches the men’s and women’s cross-country ski teams at Williams College. Martell will get a taste of IBU World Cup racing in Hochfilzen before heading to the IBU Cup. 

“I am so excited to be reuniting with U.S. Biathlon in a new role through the Women’s Coaching Initiative,” said Martell. “I have continued to be a fan of the sport since my time as the coaching intern, but have not had the chance to attend or coach at an international biathlon competition, so I’m very excited for that experience. I’m looking forward to being immersed in the fast paced environment and getting a chance to learn from so many people along the way!”

Clare Egan, a familiar face amongst the biathlon community, is a 2x Olympian, 6x World Championships team member and World Cup bronze medalist. Since her retirement from racing in 2022, she has been able to share her expertise with athletes at all levels, from youth to elite. Egan spent time this summer coaching at National Team and Elite Development camps in Lake Placid, NY.  

Kate Halligan, collegiate cross-country skier at St. Lawrence University, now works in law and has spent the last several years volunteering with U.S. Biathlon at both domestic and international competitions. This season, Halligan will head to Soldier Hollow for Youth & Junior Nationals and International Team Trials, as well as lead the wax room and assist with coaching at Youth & Junior World Championships in Oestersund, Sweden. 

Maddie Phanuef, 2018 Olympian, and current head biathlon coach of NYSEF in Lake Placid, is a U.S. Biathlon certified official and USSA L100 certified coach, licensed IBU International Referee License, and completed the IBU Academy First Level Course. This season, Phaneuf will coach at the pre-Open European Championships camp, then at Open European Championships and finish her European tour with the team at the IBU Cup in Rindaun-Val Ridanna, Italy. 

Naomi Kiekintveld boasts over seven years of experience as a coach and wax technician. She is a USSS L100 certified coach and former U.S. Ski & Snowboard Trail to Gold fellow. This season, Kiekintveld will get to experience biathlon at Open European Championships in Martell-Val Martello, Italy, where she will be an integral part of the wax room operations. 

Susan Dunklee, another well-known face in the biathlon community, is a 3x Olympian, 2x World Championship medalist and 5x World Cup medalist, making her the most decorated U.S. Biathlete in organization history. In addition to her position as Director of Biathlon at Craftsbury Outdoor Center, Dunklee will head to Oestersund, Sweden to coach at the 2025 Youth & Junior World Championships. 

Sydney Michalak grew up competing as a Nordic skier, competing throughout high school and college. After getting into biathlon at Craftsbury Outdoor Center, she made the move west to Crosscut Mountain Sports Center in Bozeman, MT, where she coaches the elite team. This season, Sydney will take her expertise across the pond to the Junior IBU Cup and Junior Open European Championships. 

“Building on the coach apprentice program, we are thrilled to have these eight women bring their knowledge and expertise to all levels of racing,” said U.S. Biathlon President & CEO Jack Gierhart. “These women will make our programs much stronger by expanding opportunities for female coaches, extending gender diversity in the sport and providing inspiration for other women to become part of the biathlon community.”

To learn more about U.S. Biathlon’s Women’s Coaching Initiative, click HERE.