Coaching Staff
Snowboard Coaching Staff
Andy Gilbert – Snowboard Program Director
If his enthusiasm were any more infectious, we’d need a vaccine for Andy Gilbert. Always stoked and sporting a mile-high smile, Andy, a USSA Level 3 and USASA Level 300 coach, loves nothing more than turning riders into true snowboarders. “I love to watch the evolution of the kid that is just here to ride and then seeing that moment when you know they are completely in - that they have completely decided that this is what they want to do,” he said. Andy has worked with several national champions, including SVSEF alum Wyatt Caldwell, and was at the helm for the rise of U.S. Snowboarding and Sun Valley ODT team member Kaitlyn Farrington, who has won Dew Tour and Grand Prix events. Gilbert coached the U.S. Team at the Junior World Championships in Switzerland in 2005, which featured silver-medal performances in superpipe by Louie Vito and Claire Bidez. Gilbert’s best trick is method air which he grooves while listening to Duran Duran on his Walkman. Just call him Le Bon, Andy Le Bon.
Josh Keefer - Assistant Coach, Comp Team
A homeboy from Hailey, Josh has been with the SVSEF snowboard team for five years. "I love powder," Josh says.
Ed Sawicz - Assistant Coach, CompTeam
"Squidward," "Squidwando," "Wando," and "Beverage," are just a few of the monikers sported by SVSEF alumni Ed Sawicz. A competitive roller blader and skate boarder who also played high school hockey, Ed has been snowboarding for 15 years. He qualified and competed at USASA Nationals and the U.S. Open. A talented guitarist, he has played in several bands, touring the U.S. and Canada. When not on stage, you can find him at Sushi on Second performing culinary miracles with raw fish.
Heather Black - Assistant Coach, Comp Team
A talented artist, Heather says she has been with the SVSEF snowboard team "since I can remember." During her 10-year career, Heather won the Burton Am Series, plus the overall freestyle title and a bronze medal in halfpipe at USASA Nationals. "I was doing competitions almost every weekend in high school," she said. "Now I find myself back in my homeland, Sun Valley, where I learned to have fun."
Jacob Tyler - Head Coach, Prep Team
Before moving to Sun Valley, "Jak" headed up the snowboard programs at Jackson Hole and Mission Ridge, Washington. He's a Level 300 USSA and Level 200 USASA certified coach. Jak's patience is only exceeding by his kindness. Jacob and wife, Sandy, were married last summer.
Jon French - Assistant Coach, Prep Team
A youthful enthusiasm belies the fact that Jon is rounding out his second decade with the SVSEF. "He's awesome," snowboard director Andy Gilbert says.