Skill
grit
integrity

Darryl Whitaker returns to Diamond Peak with over 45 years of coaching experience and a deep-rooted passion for skiing and athlete development. As the new U14 Co-Head Coach and Staff Education Coordinator, Darryl brings a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm to the team. His previous tenure at Diamond Peak, where he served as Manager/Coach, left a lasting impact, and he is excited to rejoin a positive environment for families and staff.

A USSS Level 500 Certified Coach and Level 3 PSIA Instructor, Darryl has worn many hats throughout his career—athlete, parent, coach, official, event manager, and Coach Developer for US Skiing. His approach to coaching is shaped by his extensive experience in all aspects of the sport, ensuring that every athlete under his guidance is given the tools to reach their full potential.

In his personal life, Darryl enjoys staying active by taking on new challenges, whether it's perfecting his golf swing, navigating water ski buoys, or keeping a tennis ball in play. As a proud grandfather and sports fan, Darryl's commitment to youth development extends beyond the slopes, making him an invaluable asset to Diamond Peak and the skiing community at large.

Dingo, originally from Manly, NSW, Australia, embarked on a remarkable skiing and snowboarding journey in Perisher Valley, NSW. His enduring passion for the slopes shaped an impressive career in snow sports. After marrying April in 1995, Dingo made his way to Mammoth Lakes, CA, where he became a Professional Ski Patroller during winter and a Certified Lift Electrician in the summer at Mammoth Mountain.

Bringing over a decade of experience to Incline Village in 2010, Dingo joined Diamond Peak as a Professional Ski and Snowboard instructor. His dedication saw him rise to the role of Lift Operations Supervisor. Presently, he shares his wealth of knowledge, safety expertise, teaching skills, and coaching prowess with the Incline Village and Crystal Bay community.

Dingo's holistic approach to skiing, embracing 'top to bottom' and 'boundary to boundary,' mirrors his unwavering commitment to our vibrant community Ski Team, enhancing our collective passion for the slopes.

"Turn 'Em"

Kait Flocchini is the Mighty Mites Head Coach. This will be Kait’s fifth year coaching with the Diamond Peak SKi Team. Although she was not a childhood skier, Kait has a passion for growing kids’ love and understanding of skiing. Kait values her experience as a collegiate runner and pole vaulter and because of that experience, she sees all childhood athletic endeavors as an opportunity to create responsible athletes and team-players. Kait’s goal is that Mighty Mites is a time when young skiers get to experience the beauty of Lake Tahoe winters while honing their skiing skills and enjoying friendships, both of which will last a lifetime. Whether our skiers develop into racers, all-mountain adventurers, or great recreational skiers, Kait hopes that their time with Mighty Mites is memorable.

Kait has two daughters, Josie and Olivia, that race with DPST. When not on the hill, Kait likes to spend her time reading, playing NYT games, or with her kids and husband, Patrick, at the beach or wakesurfing on Lake Tahoe.

Mats Boehnke, from Carson City, NV, carries a family legacy of skiing and coaching with deep passion. His journey began at Diamond Peak, where he first tasted the thrill of racing. Mats refined his skiing skills at the College of Idaho, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Political Economy. Yet, his heart remained devoted to youth development, prompting his return to Diamond Peak to start his coaching career.

Mats' coaching path reflects an unwavering commitment to fundamentals and a deep understanding of the mental aspects of coaching, maximizing athlete potential. This dedication led to a pivotal moment in 2018 when he coached the US National Women's Tech team, including during the Pyeong Chang Olympics. After his national team tenure, Mats returned to Lake Tahoe, where his skiing journey began. Today, he resides in Incline Village with partner Lindsay and their future Diamond Peak Mighty Mites, Wyatt and Essie. As Athletic Director, and U8/U10 Coach, of the Diamond Peak Ski Team, Mats champions a holistic coaching approach, ensuring his passion for skiing and youth development thrives.

Mike's deep connection with skiing began at China Peak Ski Resort in California at the age of 3, sparking a lifelong passion for the sport. He initially pursued ski racing but later became an accomplished soccer player throughout high school and college at Dominican University. Despite his soccer commitments, skiing remained close to his heart, and each winter, he honed his skills in California and Colorado. In recent years, Mike immersed himself in Masters Racing in both the Central Valley and Lake Tahoe, strengthening his bond with skiing.

Mike's devotion extends to his family, sharing his love for skiing with his wife and their two young children, aged 11 and 7, who have flourished under his guidance. His coaching philosophy emphasizes the joy of skiing, underpinned by hard work and determination. Mike enthusiastically contributes to the Diamond Peak Ski Team's success as the Teams Manager and fosters a deep love for skiing among its members.

Coach Mimi, a beacon of skiing joy, serves the Diamond Peak Ski Team as the Shooting Stars Head Coach. Her coaching values, emphasizing safety and fun, were honed while guiding her children through the Child Ski Center under the tutelage of esteemed instructor Bee Ferrato.

Transitioning from a volunteer to a coach, Mimi's 16+ years of expertise, backed by Level I and II ski instructor certifications, alongside Coaching Level 100, focuses on nurturing confidence and creativity in young skiers. She directs her passion into playful learning, imparting essential skills through engaging activities.

Raising her daughters, Kaci and Rachel, through the Diamond Peak Ski Team, Mimi instilled a love for skiing in them. Both daughters, now coaches themselves, mirror Mimi's dedication to the sport and fostering a thriving learning atmosphere. Meanwhile, her husband Gordon Meyer, a National Ski Patroller, also served as the DPSEF Board President for many years, showcasing their family's extensive involvement and historical connection to the Foundation.

As the Shooting Stars Head Coach, Mimi's dedication to skiing and molding young talents remains unwavering. Beyond ski gear, cherished memories of shaping young minds endure, underscoring the profound impact of her fun-filled coaching experiences.

Mitch O’Brien, a lifelong skiing enthusiast, turned his passion into a professional pursuit. Graduating from Sierra Nevada College in May 2022 with a Bachelor's in Interdisciplinary Studies, majoring in Outdoor Adventure Leadership and Ski Business Resort Management, Mitch delved deeply into the ski industry.

During his academic journey, Mitch honed his skills as a ski instructor, earning multiple PSIA certifications and coaching in the Mighty Mites Program. His extensive backcountry ski experience, coupled with ongoing avalanche education, reflects his commitment to continuous improvement.

Looking ahead, Mitch aims to elevate his skiing prowess, coaching abilities, and avalanche awareness to enhance the DPSEF athlete experience. Armed with qualifications like USSA L100, IFSA L100, PSIA Level 2 Skier, and Avalanche Rec 1, Mitch brings five years of competitive snowsport education and coaching to his fourth year with the Diamond Peak Ski Team.

Ryan's skiing journey began at a tender age of 2, racing with the Bear Valley Race Team throughout high school. At UC Davis, he led the Ski Team to USCSA Nationals for three consecutive years, where he crossed paths with his ski-racing wife. Post-graduation with a Biomechanics degree, he served as Assistant Coach at UCD while diving into Physical Therapy studies.

His PT career took him to Europe with the US Men’s Downhill team as their Physio, temporarily pausing his ski racing pursuits. Transitioning to coaching, Ryan directed his expertise to his daughters' ski racing endeavors and now guides the DPSEF Masters team. Alongside his wife and daughters, they revel in mountain biking, backpacking, and wake surfing during the off-season, sharing a passion for the outdoors that extends beyond the slopes.

Sixtine Piccard, our U12 Alpine Coach, brings a wealth of skiing experience from her roots as a French ski racer in the Alps. Skiing has been ingrained in her life since childhood, fostering a deep passion for the sport on the snow-covered slopes. After five years in the FIS circuit in France, Sixtine pursued her aspirations in the USA.

Her educational journey led her through Sierra Nevada University (SNU) and the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), focusing on Psychology and Biology with a sports medicine concentration. Competing as a Division 1 athlete on the collegiate ski teams provided her with victories, podium finishes in FIS, and national titles in the USCSA circuit.

With a profound understanding of sports performance, human anatomy, and athletic psychology, Sixtine is eager to impart her knowledge. Her aim is to mentor and inspire passionate young skiers, nurturing their growth while sharing invaluable insights. She eagerly anticipates guiding athletes to flourish, eager to witness their progression on this exhilarating journey.

Tori, a born and raised Incline Village local, embarked on her skiing journey at Diamond Peak, nurturing a passion for the outdoors since childhood. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Northern Colorado, excelling as an award-winning mental health researcher. Upon returning to Incline Village, Tori thrived in diverse outdoor roles, coaching rock climbing, leading kayaking tours, and teaching snowboarding.

Her recent contributions at Diamond Peak Ski Resort showcased her managerial expertise, drawn from ski resort operations, human resources, and finance. Beyond her professional life, Tori revels in snowboarding, hiking with her faithful canine companion, and embracing gym-based strength training.

Tori's familial ties intertwine with Diamond Peak's history—her grandfather, Cappy Cook, served as General Manager during the resort's Ski Incline era. This deep-rooted connection enhances Tori's role, underscoring her profound ties within the Diamond Peak community.