From Munich to NCAA Skiing: How Julia Müller Found Her Peak in New Hampshire

Julia Müller, a freshman at Plymouth State University, has traded the individualistic racing culture of Europe for a high-energy, team-first atmosphere in the U.S. After a successful first semester, Julia sat down with us to share how she traded the familiar slopes of the Alps for the fast-paced world of NCAA skiing and why she believes it was a great decision.

A Different Kind of Team Spirit

Skiing is often an individual pursuit. In Europe, Julia was used to focusing primarily on her own times. At Plymouth State, she walked into a massive roster of 22 athletes, and the shift in culture was immediate.

"It's very different here. It's more of a team sport. Even though your individual results matter, we all fight together. We have meetings about team spirit, we cheer for each other during training, and we work as one unit. I like it so much more than the individual focus back home."

Balancing Athletics & Academics

One of Julia's biggest surprises was how manageable the "student-athlete" lifestyle actually is when the system is built to support you. At Plymouth State, Julia follows a tight but organized schedule:

• On the Snow: Training Monday through Thursday at a local resort just 30 minutes away.
• In the Gym: Strength and conditioning sessions, with Fridays dedicated to recovery and stretching.
• In the Classroom: Small class sizes of 20 students or fewer.

"The professors here are very personal," Julia explains. "They know who you are. Back home, you might be one of 100 students in a hall. Here, I have an academic advisor who helped me pick courses that fit perfectly around my training schedule. I can truly do both - skiing and school."

Personal Growth Beyond the Sport

Moving across the Atlantic isn't just about sports. It's about finding out who you are. Julia admits that being in a new country all by herself was a little overwhelming in the beginning, but it forced her to grow and she is more than happy now that she has decided to take the step.

"I've become so much more independent," she says. "You have to organize everything yourself. But the community is incredibly welcoming. 90% of my team are international students, so we all faced the same challenges. Whether it's a team trip to Boston or a 'Casino Night' on campus, there's always something happening."

Looking Toward the Horizon

Currently finishing her freshman year, Julia is already eyeing her next big move: a potential transfer to Montana State to pursue a degree in Architecture or Environmental Design.

Her advice for young athletes back in Europe who are hesitant about making the jump?