We will now spotlight senior Margo Hesson of Falmouth. She was the 2026 Class A giant slalom state champion. We asked her about
her plans for next year and about the state meet emotions.
1) What were your preparations leading up to the state meet?
As a team, we had done a lot of training at Lost Valley. I was making sure to attend those practices to sharpen my skills, keep a good headspace, and eat/sleep well.
2) How did you deal with the pressure and emotions that come along with competing in a state meet?
With the modified race schedule this year, it was definitely pressure added knowing I only had one chance each race to achieve a good placement. But I honestly just tried to perceive it as an advantage because I know I’m a first-run racer, and the new schedule supports that. So I reminded myself that the format played to my strengths, which helped me stay calm and confident.
3) What was going through your mind at the start?
I have my little start-gate ritual that I do to distract my mind. I was just focusing on my breath, talking to the other racers around me, and doing some stretches. But I obviously was thinking about making it down the hill and getting a good placement for myself and my team, that’s my priority.
4) What do you contribute your success to?
My success comes from the support of my coaches, teammates, and parents, and trusting the process. Even when results weren’t there early on, I stayed committed, and that consistency paid off.
5) What are your goals/plans for next year?
I am attending Clemson University next year!
6) What surprised you the most about this season?
I had a tough start to the season and wasn’t getting the results I wanted, but by the end of January I found my confidence again. Finishing the season as a team and individual state champion made that turnaround especially rewarding.
7) What moment/event will you remember the most from the season?
One of my coaches, Pete Glass, told me one practice to “just show me all your effort this last run, I want to see agression”, and that’s what it took to get myself out of my slump. I remember having the best training run of the season after he told me that, and from that night on, I started seeing way better results.
8) What do you like most about Alpine Skiing?
I love the community. Even across teams, there’s a lot of mutual support, and people genuinely want to see each other succeed. I am so grateful for the community that Ski Racing has given me, it’s really special.
9) Anything else that you would like to add?
I’m really grateful for this season and the opportunity to compete with such supportive teammates and coaches. It was a great way to finish my high school career.
