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New face in youth sports

Christopher Kamrani, Of the Record staff

After few years in Colorado, Aimee Preston was looking for an excuse to move back to Utah.

She finally got one; a pretty good one, too.

Preston was named the new executive director for the Youth Winter Sports Alliance effective Dec. 1. The former University of Utah star gymnast has a strong history in sports management. She received her master’s degree at Utah in exactly that.

The 37-year-old is a veteran of working on three Olympic Winter Games (2002, 2006, 2010) and, now that her three children are in school, Preston wanted to go back to work full time.

"Sometimes, when you’re least expecting things, things work out," she said.

Preston, who had spent a good deal of her life in the Salt Lake area, has found her new niche in Park City. She said that her familiarity with winter sports, coupled with being able to live in such a winter-sports-heavy community, appealed to her.

"Coming into this close-knit community, the Youth Winter Sports Alliance is one of those amazing programs. I look forward to helping them."

Preston was at a ski fundraiser supporting a friend when she was introduced to Meeche White, the interim executive director at the YWSA. In short, things worked out for Preston.

"I come from a competitive background," she said. "I’ve worked with Olympic committees, but the main decision was to be able to be here in Park City. Winter sports are lifetime sports, unlike most."

Preston has worked on and been appointed to the board of the Crimson Club at the University of Utah. During her time at Utah, the team won three NCAA national championships (1992, 1994, 1995) and she was a nine-time NCAA All-American. Preston was also inducted into the University of Utah Crimson Hall of Fame.

"The Alliance is extremely pleased to have Aimee Preston join our team and take the lead as executive director," said YWSA Board President Tom Eastwood in a press release. "She brings a wide breadth of experience that will serve the Alliance and its member teams with dedication and excellence."

The YWSA supports and mentors winter sports clubs and teams including AXIS Freeride, Figure Skating Club of Park City, FLY Freestyle, Ice Miner’s Youth Hockey, Park City Freestyle Ski Team, Park City Nordic Ski Club, Park City Ski Team, Park City Snowboard Team, Park City Speedskating Team, Summit Ski Team, UAF’s Bobsled & Skeleton Development Program, Wasatch Freestyle Foundation and the Wasatch Luge Club.

Preston couldn’t be more thrilled with her new position and is looking forward to working closely with young athletes who are intent on exploring futures in winter sports.

"Everyone is unique in their own likes," Preston said. "Here in Park City, there are so many choices that provide opportunities. I’m excited."


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