The USA Curling National Junior Development Program (NJDP) will return for its third season.

Registration will be open until Nov. 1, 2022 and welcome young athletes who aspire to elevate their curling abilities to the next level. By registering for NJDP, young curlers across the country will have access to the tools, resources, and training utilized by USA Curling’s National Team.

Athletes within NJDP will receive consultation from National Team coaching staff, take advantage of increased access to off-ice training programs, and are invited to join a six-part webinar series featuring special guests that will outline the pillars of becoming an elite competitor while providing a platform for collaboration and networking with like-minded individuals across the United States.

The Program will return with the following benefits in 2022-23:

• NJDP Athletes will have access to USA Curling’s sports performance training app that is managed by USA Curling’s Sports Performance Team. Workouts are tailored to progressing on-ice results.  

• Curling consultation with National Junior Development Coach, Mike Peplinski (October-end of April 2023) including virtual instruction and feedback.

• Access to a six-part webinar series that includes guest speakers and open discussion.

• Athletes enrolled in the program receive access to a six-part webinar series that is hosted on the first Wednesday of each month. Each session will dive deeper into a topic related to being competitive on the ice and will host a variety of guest speakers who are subject matter experts. A few examples include sport psychology, team dynamics, fundamentals of delivery, learning to win, basics of shot execution, practice planning, etc.  

• NJDP athletes have the opportunity to meet virtually to explore topics related to sports performance in a small-group networking environment.  

• Access to modules that highlight the importance of sport psychology and include at-home mental practices that are vital for competitive athletes.

• Discounted rate for the USA Curling Junior Camp (tentatively scheduled for August 2023)

The Program will welcome junior athletes who hope to compete at the national or international stage, want to make improvements to their game, focus on physical fitness and mental skills, connect with National Team coaching staff, and network with like-minded athletes from across the country. To register, applicants must:

• Be between the ages of 12-21 (Of or older than age 12 at any time during the 17th day of October 2022 and less than 21 years of age at any time during the 30th day of June 2023)

• Be a US Citizen

 About the program:

NJDP KICKOFF

October 17, 2022

This virtual kickoff is hosted by National Director of Athlete Services Jessica Schultz and National Junior Development Coach Mike Peplinski. Both Mike and Jess bring their experiences from the Olympics to share with athletes the intricacies of team dynamics, importance of off-ice mental and physical training, and foundational structure of being a competitive athlete. Mike and Jess will be joined by Sports Conditioning Specialist Charlie Boehm to bring together a unique virtual educational experience.

Training App

Athletes enrolled in the NJDP will be eligible for access to our sports performance training app that will be overseen by Charlie Boehm. It’s an area where workouts are assigned and progress is tracked.

Access to NJDP Coach Mike Peplinski

Athletes enrolled in the program will have access to work with Mike. Athletes will be encouraged to send Coach Mike videos of their mechanics and receive feedback. Mike is available to consult on a variety of topics, receive delivery/sweeping video clips and provide feedback; as well as help provide information on how to elevate yourself as a player both on and off the ice. Mike will be working closely with the National Team staff and assist with helping NJDP athletes working to bring their game to the next level.

Webinar Series

Athletes enrolled in the program will receive access to a six-part webinar series that will be hosted on the first Wednesday of each month. Each session will dive deeper into a topic related to being competitive on the ice and will host a variety of guest speakers who are specialists on the topics. A few examples include: sports psychology, team dynamics, fundamentals of a delivery, learning to win, basics of shot execution, practice planning, etc.

Round Table Discussions

Virtual small group sessions, divided up regionally, where athletes are encouraged to share their experiences, network and dive in on hot curling topics.

About the Staff:

• National Director Women’s and Junior Programing Jessica Schultz – 2x Olympian, multi-national Champion

• NJDP Coach Mike Peplinski – Olympian, successful Men’s competitive career, multi-Junior National Champion, Coach, Teacher, Mentor

• Coach Charlie Boehm – Charlie is a strength and conditioning specialist who will work closely with USA Curling’s National Team Sports Performance Trainer Mike Gulenchyn at the Training HAUS.

The kickoff of this year’s NJDP will be on Oct. 17th, but the session will be recorded to allow for late participant registration if necessary. Please contact Jessica Schultz with any questions regarding registration or the program.

USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, Toyota, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Brakebush, ISS (Ice, Sports & Solar), and Sitrin, and is partnered with IHG, Rock Solid Productions Inc., Laurie Artiss Ltd. – The Pin People, and United Airlines.