In this Episode of "Catching up the Cougs" we talk all about Lauren’s historic Bronze Medal in the Super-G at Saalbach as well as the overall experience of her first World Champs – finishing 5th in the Downhill and just off the podium in 4th in the Combined with Paula Moltzan.

Cougs shares so many golden nuggets of learning that will help both junior racers and coaches alike. Things like:

-             How to regulate your energy during race holds

-             How to think of big races as “just another race”

-             What does “keep moving” mean in ski racing

-             Her favorite moment from the Worlds

-             Learning from Teammates

-             How to take past experiences and use them every race

-             Finding the “critical” points in each course

-             And the importance of reminding yourself of your Strengths!

Watch Lauren and the Stifel US Ski Team this weekend at Kvitfjell Norway!

Welcome to Catching up with the Cougs – an inside the fences look at the Stifel US Ski Team’s Lauren Macuga as she continues her quest to be the fastest Women on Skis!

This Episode was taped Feb 3rd - just two days before Cougs won BRONZE in the Super-G!

In the Episode there is some great info on how she prepared for the Super-G and for the downhill on Saturday.

She also shares with us her race day mentality, how she takes advantage of her strengths and what she is doing to improve her weaknesses. And how the Women work as a team during inspection and race day.

Listen’s our new Bronze Medalist!

Welcome to the first Episode of “Catching Up with the Cougs” podcast. In this first episode with hear all about Lauren’s first World Cup win in the St. Anton Super-G on Jan 12, 2025. Lauren and Olympian Doug Lewis break down the entire day from the early morning workout to the celebration at the Hotel. She shares what it was like from inspecting one of the toughest courses on tour to then throwing herself down it in tough and changing conditions. Also she talks about hanging in the leaders chair with her hero Federica Brignone.

Cougs also shares a ton of info that will help Athletes and Coaches alike. Things like;

-             Her Starting Gate Routine and Mantra

-             How she thinks about the most important mental skill – Confidence

-             How to build confidence from both successes and tough days

-             The importance of Visualization

-             How she plans on handling the stress of going into Cortina the last winner on tour

-             Her obsession with Bucket Hats!

This is a great listen for all ski fans, but especially young athletes and coaches. She talks about the importance of Mental Skills and how to train them whether you are a junior or on the World Cup.

Look for more Episodes coming soon.

Episode 2: Cortina – the Olympic Course and coming in as a Favorite

Episode 3: Garmisch – tough conditions on one of the gnarliest course on tour