Completed Event: Skiing versus 20K Freestyle (M) on March 14, 2026 , , 1st
Final Score
Skiing
1st
vs 20K Freestyle (M)
The University of Utah Athletics
Pierre Niess, right, was named 2026 RMISA Nordic Coach of the Year
Photo by: Eli Rehmer/Utah Athletics
RMISA Tabs Pierre Niess Nordic Coach of the Year
4/23/2026 4:36 PM | Skiing
Second straight season that Niess has been recognized with Coach of the Year
SALT LAKE CITY – For the second straight year, Utah's Pierre Niess has been named RMISA Nordic Coach of the Year as the conference revealed its 2026 postseason honors on Thursday.
The Utes won their 18th national championship this past March—the program's second straight and fifth in the last six seasons. Thanks in part to Niess' mentorship, Utah racked up nine Nordic All-American honors during the national championship meet and scored 307.5 points in Nordic events—both the most of any team.
Niess also coached an individual NCAA champion in freshman Mons Melbye, who won the men's 20K freestyle mass start in a thrilling finish. In addition, Melbye was the RMISA and NCAA West Regional individual winner in the same discipline, while Erica Lavén was the regional champion in the women's 7.5K classic interval start.
Lavén had seven wins during her sophomore season with Melbye adding five in his inaugural season as a Utah Ute. Lavén took home RMISA MVP honors in women's classic as well.
Witta Walcher enjoyed a nice comeback season after being limited to two starts during the 2025 campaign. Walcher had nine top-10 finishes this past season including a top-five result in both races at the NCAA Championships.
Beyond the college circuit, Niess tutored Zachary Jayne who made his World Cup debut and totaled seven starts. Jayne was one of seven Utah Utes to earn Nordic All-RMISA honors.
Follow the Utah Ski Team
Follow the Utah Ski Team on social media @utahskiteam. Download the Utah 360 app here.
The Utes won their 18th national championship this past March—the program's second straight and fifth in the last six seasons. Thanks in part to Niess' mentorship, Utah racked up nine Nordic All-American honors during the national championship meet and scored 307.5 points in Nordic events—both the most of any team.
Niess also coached an individual NCAA champion in freshman Mons Melbye, who won the men's 20K freestyle mass start in a thrilling finish. In addition, Melbye was the RMISA and NCAA West Regional individual winner in the same discipline, while Erica Lavén was the regional champion in the women's 7.5K classic interval start.
Lavén had seven wins during her sophomore season with Melbye adding five in his inaugural season as a Utah Ute. Lavén took home RMISA MVP honors in women's classic as well.
Witta Walcher enjoyed a nice comeback season after being limited to two starts during the 2025 campaign. Walcher had nine top-10 finishes this past season including a top-five result in both races at the NCAA Championships.
Beyond the college circuit, Niess tutored Zachary Jayne who made his World Cup debut and totaled seven starts. Jayne was one of seven Utah Utes to earn Nordic All-RMISA honors.
Follow the Utah Ski Team
Follow the Utah Ski Team on social media @utahskiteam. Download the Utah 360 app here.
Players Mentioned
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