Alexandria’s Kaisa Bosek Hits the Snow: Competing in the Winter 2025 FISU World University Games in Italy!

Alexandria’s Kaisa Bosek is about to embark on an exciting journey. This month, she and her teammates from Paul Smith’s College in New York will represent the United States in the Women’s Biathlon at the 2025 Winter World University Games in Torino, Italy, from January 13 to 23.

“I’m so excited!” Kaisa shared in an interview. “Racing overseas is a rare opportunity, and I’ve done it before, but never at such a big event like the University Games with my college teammates. Wearing the Team USA uniform is something I’ve dreamed of.”

Kaisa brings a wealth of experience to the games. She shined as a junior in high school, finishing 18th out of 97 athletes in the Women’s 10K individual race at the Youth Olympic Games in 2019. She also had strong finishes in the mixed relay and sprint events. In the same year, Kaisa placed fifth at the Youth World Championships in Utah. These achievements helped her secure a spot on the U.S. FISU team.

The upcoming games will be Kaisa’s first visit to Italy. “I feel grateful to have traveled to several countries for competitions, but this is special,” she said.

Kaisa is not new to competitive skiing. Last summer, she made a mark at the 2023 U.S. Biathlon Rollerski National Championships, where she won a top shooter award and finished strong in her events. Her consistent training on campus has been crucial for her preparation. “We are lucky at Paul Smith’s College to have both shooting ranges and many nearby trails for practice,” she explained.

At the 2023 U.S. Collegiate Ski and Snowboard Association National competition, Kaisa demonstrated her talent again, finishing in the top ranks in several events.

For the FISU Games, Kaisa had to submit a resume highlighting her biathlon achievements to be selected. Along with Kaisa, her teammates Jessie Church, Phil Matthews, Diego Schillaci, and Bridget Reusch have also made the U.S. FISU team.

Kaisa is looking forward to the vibrant atmosphere of the games. “The energy will be incredible with teams from all over the world. I’ve learned to treat these races just like any other to keep my nerves in check.”

While Kaisa heads to Italy, other Paul Smith’s College athletes will compete in the U.S. National Championship in Alaska but will cheer her on from afar.

With her first event—a 12.5km short individual race—scheduled for January 16, Kaisa has a busy schedule ahead. She will also compete in the Single Mixed Relay, the Women’s 7.5 km Sprint, the Women’s 10km Pursuit, and the Women’s 12.5 km Mass Start.

As Kaisa trains and prepares for her events, her journey inspires many aspiring athletes, showing that hard work and dedication can lead to incredible opportunities.