Adapt2play

 
When: Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 from 7:30-8:30pm
Where: Zoom
Title: Patience, Insight & Leadership
Cost: Free for NENSA members (purchase or renew membership here)
Registration: Register HERE
Description: Kris will present on the role coaches play in the mental health of their athletes. Using an autobiographical outline, he will delineate the importance of providing a low-pressure environment that focuses on skill building and fun for developing skiers. He will encourage patience throughout the development process, emphasizing that mental and physical growth are equally important to maximize an athlete’s potential. The environment needed for this growth is set by the expectations, values and behaviors of the coach. Unconditional support and acceptance leads to trust, which gives young athletes the courage to grow without fear of failure.
Speaker Bio: Kris Freeman is a 4 x Olympian in cross country skiing. Highlights of his athletic career include a 5th place finish in the 4 x 10k relay at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, winning the inaugural U-23 world championship 30k classic in Valdidentro, Italy in 2003, placing 4th in the 15k classic at the world championships In Liberec, Czech Republic, and amassing 17 US national championships from 2000-2015. Kris is a Type 1 diabetic and has worked as a patient advocate and public speaker in the diabetes community for 23 years. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Plymouth State University and will graduate with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health from PSU in August of 2026.

This offering is part of our virtual educational series which expands opportunities for learning beyond our in-person conferences, symposiums, and clinics.