UW Nordic Team Members and Coaches Invited to 2025 World University Games

Two University of Wyoming Nordic ski team members and their coaches have been selected to represent the U.S. at the 2025 Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) World University Games Sunday-Wednesday, Jan. 12-22, in Pragelato, Italy.

The UW team continues its legacy of excellence with two athletes selected -- Sammy Veauthier, a zoology major from Casper, and Kaj Taylor, a chemical engineering graduate from Palmer, Alaska -- marking the sixth time UW Nordic ski athletes have participated in this global event. Christi Boggs and Rachel Watson, UW's co-head coaches, also have been invited to the event.

Boggs, who competed in the 1993 World University Games for UW in Zakopane, Poland, has been named USA cross country team leader alongside Watson, who will serve as head coach.

"For Wyoming, a state with a relatively small population, having two athletes qualify for Team USA represents a significant achievement," Boggs and Watson say. "Their selection was based on both athletic performance and academic merit, highlighting the caliber of student-athletes at the University of Wyoming."

The estimated cost per student-athlete is $3,700, plus Boggs and Watson also must pay their own way to attend the world games. Both Veauthier and Taylor have dedicated considerable time to training and preparation for this prestigious competition, their coaches say.

A donation page has been established for UW's contingent.

"We invite you to support these top-tier athletes as they represent not just the University of Wyoming but the whole U.S. in international competition," Boggs and Watson say.

The games are an 11-day international sports competition and cultural festival, which is considered second only to the Winter Olympics as the largest international sporting event, with more than 50 countries and 2,500 athletes competing. The biennial competition features seven winter sports disciplines, including Nordic skiing.

Since its founding 26 years ago, the UW Nordic ski team has established an exceptional record of achievement, with 32 individual national champions; 13 national team titles; 141 individual All-American awards; and 201 academic All-Americans.

The team's selection reflects not only athletic excellence but also academic achievement, with the team maintaining a remarkable 3.669 grade-point average.

For more information, email Boggs at [email protected] or Watson at [email protected].

About the Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire

Since its founding in 1949, FISU is the key driver to expand the role and reach of university sport around the world. FISU believes that sports values and sports practice work in perfect synchronicity within one's university studies. The federation offers opportunity and inspiration to students around the world to play sport. The health, well-being and experiences that students gain from sport help them become active members of the global society.