Ashton Salwan

HAVING SAUNDO IN MY CORNER WAS CRUCIAL AS AN INDEPENDENT ATHLETE

Winter 2025: North America

As the summer sun blazed over Park City, Utah, in August 2024, I was gearing up for one of the most critical events on my preseason calendar — the Ultimate Airwave water ramp competition. This event, coupled with the one the week prior in Mettmenstetten, Switzerland, heralded the start of my 2024/25 season. I had the unique opportunity to spend just one week working with Coach Matt “Saundo” Saunders, which set the stage for what would become a brief yet profoundly transformative partnership.

From the outset, Saundo's deep knowledge and expertise in freestyle aerials were evident. He quickly pinpointed my strengths and weaknesses, then devised a development plan that pushed me to refine my techniques. But it was more than just technical training; Saundo's coaching approach instilled a strong sense of confidence and preparedness in me, equipping me to tackle any challenge head-on.

Our collaboration resumed on January 7, 2025, when Saundo and I reunited for six intense weeks of training and competitions across notable venues: Bristol Mountain and Lake Placid in New York, then on to Deer Valley in Utah, and we wrapped up in Quebec, Canada on February 24, 2025. Each location presented its unique challenges, from the capricious weather to the pressure of high-stakes jumps against the world's elite. Nevertheless, I drew immense strength from Saundo’s strategic guidance and steadfast support.

Training and competing with Saundo by my side was truly a collaborative effort. He was clear and communicative, always explaining the rationale behind every decision. This level of respect and transparency not only motivated me but also drove me to invest fully in every aspect of my training.

Whenever we encountered setbacks, Saundo’s adaptability ensured that my progress remained on course. His tactical acumen was remarkable — if a plan faltered, he was quick to implement a backup. His thorough, no-stone-unturned approach fundamentally transformed my performance.

By the end of the season, I could look back on a path marked by significant milestones: I clinched an 11th-place finish at the World Cup in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and even set a personal record in my jumps. These achievements underscored how effective I could be under Saundo's tutelage, making the success even more satisfying given our limited time together.

As an independent US athlete, choosing to have Saundo in my corner was one of the best decisions I've ever made. He didn't just coach me; he believed in me and fostered my growth not only as an athlete but as a person. The impact he had on my career is something I’ll always hold in high regard.

Though our weeks together were few, I emerged from the 24/25 season with renewed confidence and a clearer understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest levels. This experience was a testament to the power of dedicated mentorship, even in a condensed timeframe, and a reminder of how the right coach can truly make all the difference.

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ASHTON'S 2024/25 COMPETITION RESULTS WITH COACH SAUNDO:

Park City (USA) FIS Freestyle 2024 Ultimate Airwave Mens Aerials: 9th

Bristol (USA) US Ski & Snowboard 2025 Freestyle Aerial Selections: 1st

Bristol (USA) US Ski & Snowboard 2025 National Aerials Championships: 5th

Lake Placid (USA) FIS World Cup 2025 Freestyle Aerials: 18th, 5th American

Deer Valley (USA) FIS World Cup 2025 Freestyle Aerials: 13th, 4th American

Park City (USA) FIS Freestyle 2025 NorAM Cup: 2nd, Top American

Quebec (CAN) FIS Freestyle 2025 NorAM Cup: 2nd, Top American