GROWING UP IN THE SIERRA NEVADA where there were endless opportunities for recreation, Ricci Kilgore’s life revolved around sports, especially skiing and running. As an all-star athlete in high school, she dreamed of Olympic glory, earning a full scholarship to Idaho State University for pole vaulting. But everything changed in an instant when she was driving back to her dorm after a pole vault meet. The car hit black ice and Ricci was thrown from the passenger’s seat. She was left paralyzed from the waist down, shattering her dreams and sense of identity.

When Achieve Tahoe invited Ricci to join their adaptive ski program and try sit skiing, a glimmer of hope emerged. “Some of my favorite memories were taking adaptive
ski lessons at Alpine Meadows with the legendary Bill Bowness. He would push
me to my limits, which made me a better mono skier!” she recalls. Through her lessons with Bill, Ricci reignited her passion for competition.

By 2008, Ricci transformed from a survivor into a fierce competitor on the US Paralympic Alpine Skiing national team. As she was training for the Paralympics, she learned she was pregnant—a miraculous surprise after being told she might never have children due to complications from her accident. When her daughter Jojo was born eight weeks prematurely, Ricci faced new challenges head-on. “Looking back, the hospital stay was a gift. Not only was I a new mom recovering from a C-section, but a new mom recovering from a C-section and paraplegic,” she reflects.

Through it all, Ricci’s determination shone brightly. Just a few months after giving birth, she continued to train and went on to compete in the 2010 Vancouver Paralympic games, placing 6th in giant slalom, then placed second in both super G and downhill that same year.

“Being a part of Achieve Tahoe has given me a sense of purpose to create more of my amazing story,” she shares. “They have helped me accept my identity as a disabled athlete.”

These days, Ricci focuses on her dual role as an athlete and a mother. She serves as an inspiration to her children, JoJo (16) and Walker (7). Just this summer, she and her
kids participated in Achieve Tahoe’s adaptive summer activities including the climbing and equestrian programs.

“Being able to do sports with my kids has helped my self-esteem as a mother. It feels good to show them another side of mom. There is no better feeling than showing them a life skill that is a huge part of my life and participating at the same time! It also makes me feel more bonded and closer. These core memories of accomplishments will seriously last forever!”

Ricci’s journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and love. With the support of Achieve Tahoe, she has reclaimed her passions and built an unbreakable bond with her children, inspiring them to embrace their own strengths.

YOUR SUPPORT can help more families like Ricci’s experience the transformative power of adaptive sports. Please donate to Achieve Tahoe today, and help us continue creating opportunities for individuals to embrace their abilities and share unforgettable moments with their loved ones. Together, we can make a profound difference.