Women of Winter: Vicki Hoban

Vicki Hoban learned to ski around 40 years ago, but never did so competitively.

Fast forward 20 years, now a teacher, one of Vicki's students taught her to snowboard and the rest, as they say, is history.

As Director of Sport at Lowther Hall Anglican Grammar School in Essendon, Vicki will once again be back at Victorian Interschools with the biggest team the school has entered in three decades of competing. 

Vicki is also a member for the Snow Australia Victorian Interschool Snowsports Advisory Group.. 

How many students are you expecting to compete in Interschools this year?
Lowther Hall hopes to enter around 26 Year 7-12 girls in this year's Victorian Interschools Snowsports Championships. We also have a junior school which will add a few more to our growing numbers.

This will be our largest team entered into the Interschools event - if all girls commit to their initial interest - in the 30 years Lowther Hall has been participating in this event.

How do you encourage students to come back to the event each year?
Most girls return because they love the experience of competing in the Interschools and sharing their love of snowsports as a team.

The School supports the Snowsports Team by providing a snowsports trip with teaching and coaching staff transporting, accommodating and supporting the girls at events each year. 

What benefits do you see from your students competing in snowsports?
A safe and supportive environment which genuinely challenges our students to have a go at competing in this exhilarating and fun sport.

Many girls ski as individuals with their families and to come together to compete and create cross-aged friendships in a team for the school is a bonus.

What are you looking forward to seeing at Interschools this year?
Active participation and giving new team members the opportunity to experience the sport with other like-minded athletes... and hopefully some good snow falls!

How long have you been in your role as school coordinator for Lowther Hall?
I believe this will be my 22nd year at Interschools as the Snowsports coordinator.

Did you participate in snowsports before being a school coordinator?
I skied back in the early 1980s, but don’t recall competing. For me it was family holiday time and learning how to ski.

When returning to Mt Buller in the early 2000s with the Snowsports Team, one of our students taught me how to snowboard and I haven’t looked back!

Although not very good, I do love it!

Do you have any tips for school coordinators and/or families new to Interschools this year?
Reach out to your school snowsports coordinator or sports department to find out how you can get involved.

You need to get in early to secure accommodation and give as many of the events a go. We participate in the GS Alpine and SkierX with other students having a go at the snowboarding events and moguls.

How does Interschools compare to other sporting events your students participate in?
This event provides a unique opportunity for students who love to ski or snowboard. We provide a unique experience for our girls were we travel as a team and support each other on the mountain at events.

The team is smaller than some of our other sports teams, but they are unique and impressive athletes in their own right.

For more information about Interschools, head to www.interschools.com.au