BIOGRAPHY:
Originally an alpine racer, Matthews uses her speed to her advantage. Her success began early on: in 2006 she was the top ranked J3 in the U.S., and in 2008, she came in third in moguls and dual moguls at the NorAm Cup in Val St. Come, Quebec. Mikaela continued her success in 2009, earning first place in the 2009 NorAm Cup in Arapahoe Basin, and eleventh in the 2009 U.S. Championships in Squaw Valley.  In 2010, Matthews’ rookie season on the U.S. Ski Team, saw the Team Summit product, grab four NorAm podiums and finish second in the overall NorAm standings for the second consecutive season. Known for her skills as a very fast skier and her bump technique, Matthews’ coaches say she absolutely has the ability to do well on World Cup and look forward to seeing her get there soon. A shoulder injury kept her out of competition for the 2011 season.

MIKAELA SAYS:
I spent the entire 2011 season cheering on the sidelines due to injury, but the season was far from a waste. I did a lot of physical training in the gym and have improved my overall fitness level. I also spent a lot of time coaching for FLY Freestyle. It was so fun and refreshing to be able to spend time with the youth of this sport who are most definitely the future. I was amazed at the talent many of these young skiers already possessed. My biggest goals are to return to competition and ski my best. I am hoping that with all of the work I have done in the gym and preparing myself, that I will be able to be a strong competitor again this season. Over the next few years I would like to start consistently skiing on World Cups and hopefully do well there.

FIRST TRACKS:
On skis just before the age of two, Matthews spent most of her beginning years skiing with her parents, both avid skiers themselves. At age four, Matthews started alpine racing with the Copper Mountain Race Club. She moved with her parents to Denmark after two years at Copper, and began to explore the European slopes where she was introduced to moguls skiing. It was during this time that she discovered her love for moguls. After living in Denmark for a year and a half, Matthews and her family moved back to the states. She then joined Team Summit at age eight, and has been skiing there ever since.

OFF THE SNOW:
When she is not skiing Matthews likes to go hiking, play volleyball with friends, and check out the free concerts around Park City.