2026-27 Aerials Development Group

Following the successful launch of the Aerials Development Group (AEDG) in 2025, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is excited to announce the second cohort of athletes selected to the development project for the 2026-27 season.

The Aerials Development Group serves as the bridge between club programs and the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, creating a clear pathway for the nation's top developing aerials athletes. Athletes are selected based on head-to-head performances at NorAm events, U.S. Championships and other domestic FIS competitions. Those named to the AEDG earn invitations to national development projects throughout the season, providing additional coaching, training and performance opportunities designed to prepare them for success at the highest levels of the sport.

The AEDG was created to address a critical gap in the freestyle athlete development pipeline. Previously, many athletes were expected to transition directly from club programs into World Cup preparation. Through the development group, athletes will have a structured pathway that bridges club programs to the national team, providing the support and resources necessary for success.

The program is designed around two key phases throughout the year: a summer preparation period and a winter competition period. During the offseason, athletes will participate in national training camps focused on technical skill development, progression planning and establishing strength and conditioning standards. Throughout the winter, athletes will receive coaching support at key competitions while continuing to work alongside their home programs.

The overall mission of the AEDG is to accelerate the development of emerging aerials athletes by providing high-quality coaching, performance education and competitive opportunities that prepare them for success at both the national and international levels. The program works collaboratively with athletes' home clubs and coaches to ensure consistent development while maintaining strong partnerships throughout the pathway.

Leading the program is Jack Boyczuk, who was recently named U.S. Ski & Snowboard's aerials development head coach. Boyczuk joins the U.S. team from Park City Ski & Snowboard, where he served as the Head Aerials Coach. A former aerials athlete himself, Boyczuk transitioned into coaching following his competitive career and has worked with athletes at both the club and national development levels. In his new role, he will focus on developing the next generation of U.S. aerials athletes while strengthening the national development pipeline.

This season's Aerials Development Group features athletes from programs across the country who have demonstrated the potential to compete at the next level. The group will train alongside members of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team throughout the season, gaining exposure to national team standards while continuing to develop within their home club environments.

2026-27 Aerials Development Group
(Club; Notable Achievements)

Women

• Natalie Leitgeb (Bristol Mountain; 2026 FIS Junior World Championship team member, three top five NorAm finishes)
• Allison Patton (Bristol Mountain; 2026 FIS Junior World Championship team member)

Men

• Will Anderson (Park City Ski & Snowboard; four NorAm starts)
• Gavin Canzano (Bristol Mountain; 2026 FIS Junior World Championships bronze medal, aerials team, two World Cup starts)*
• Jackson Chapman (Bristol Mountain; 2026 FIS Junior World Championship team member)
• JP Kane (Mont Chalet; two NorAm starts)
• Liam Laraba (Holiday Valley; two NorAm starts)
• Ian Leitgeb (Bristol Mountain; four NorAm starts)

*indicates previous World Cup starts