Meet the Fall 2024 Exec Team
We have six exec positions on our team, and each term lasts for two semester or a year. At the end of each semester, an election is held between all members of the team to decide who the next exec members will be. Some positions run over into each other such as co-president and co-treasurer. This is so each new president or treasurer will have someone to teach them how to do properly to their job in their first semester on exec. Below you will find our Spring 2024 exec team
Co-President - Ben Koen
I believe it was Adam Ondra who once said “BAAA DAAAA GAAA TSAAAAAA AHHHHHHH!!” Anyways, now that I have your attention, what’s up everyone! My name is Ben and I’m serving as your Co-President alongside River. I grew up as a soccer and lacrosse player, but I dropped them as soon as I started climbing at UVA! I immediately became addicted, and the community played a large part in my developing obsession. As your Co-President, I am dedicated to make sure each and every member feels cared for and part of the team. Please reach out with any questions and concerns, and I promise to do what I can! In my free time, I’m probably outside somewhere, cooking pounds and pounds of pasta, sweating buckets at Hot Yoga Cville, making music on my piano and computer, or taking a nap on my bougie adjustable massaging bed. If you see me around, come say hi and tell me about your life! Or just nerd out with me about Harry Potter, Avatar the Last Airbender, or the latest pro climber happenings! #zukohasthebestcharacterarcinexistencebyfar
Co-President - Ryder Robins
Hey there! My name is Ryder and I will be the co-president alongside Ben this semester. I am a third year neuroscience major pursuing research, and I have been on the climbing team every year since arriving at UVA. My introduction to climbing came in 2016 and since then, it has consumed my life for the better. I’ve been lucky enough to experience all that climbing has to offer, from the traddiest adventures and bushwackiest boulders to the chaotic but rewarding indoor worlds of competing, coaching, and routesetting. Joining the team here means getting to be a part of one of the most welcoming, supportive, and fun communities on grounds, and I encourage any and all to give it a shot. Outside of climbing I am a kayak tour guide, soccer player, LEGO enthusiast, and big ‘ol life science nerd, so I’d love to break the ice over your best wildlife story, the latest drama in the pro climbing world, or the cool paper you read last week. Look forward to seeing everyone around!
Trip Leader - Jackson Barnard
Hello climbers! I’m Jackson, a first year from Dallas, TX and unfortunately for all of you I am the trip leader for the next year. I’m an environmental science major and love to talk about anything related to the environment, especially birds. I love bouldering and you will often find me at slaughter, grade chasing on the Moonboard at Rocky, or hiding from the lead area at TRC. I have been climbing for 4.5 years now and have been throwing together trips to some of the best and worst crags in the country (Arkansas and non-Arkansas trips respectively). In addition to being coached in climbing, I coached youth teams for 3.5 years and I am always willing to give beta or any general advice that I can, just ask. I hope to have a great semester with everyone and look forward to everyone getting their ego checked on some outdoor boulders and routes.
Social Chair - Natalia Leaf
Hi climbers! I can’t tell you how excited I am to be involved in the club this year as your social chair. I’ve been a part of the climbing team at UVA for two years now and I can definitely say that many memories with the team have been my favorite from college and just life in general. There are some trips and social events that I will certainly never forget. This is why I wanted to become social chair — I want to give everyone else in the club the same memorable experiences. As your social chair, some things that matter to me: campfire games that become nonsensical by the end, cheeseballs at every event, Nicki Minaj on the aux, mandatory Tudor’s Biscuit World when at the New, going all out for every theme, and most importantly, climbing team raps and karaoke battles. If you ever see me in Slaughter, come say hi. You can also find me avoiding work in Clem or fueling my nova lox toast addiction at Corner Juice. I can’t wait for another year of shenanigans with all of you people. – Tal
Co-Treasurer - Maren Willard
Hi everyone! My name is Maren Willard and I’m a first year studying math and commerce. I’m super excited to be the co-treasurer with Ryder this semester! I’ve been climbing for 8 years and my favorite is absolutely bouldering. Outside of climbing I have a passion for running, cooking, and reading. My favorite place in the entirety of Charlottesville is Foods of All Nations. You might see me bring various salad dressings from there into ohill in an attempt to improve the food. Feel free to come up to me in practice to just say hi or chat. I’m happy to talk about climbing, outdoorsy stuff, and really anything!
Co-Treasurer - Lucia Folger
Hey hey! My name is Lucia! I’m a second year studying foreign affairs and economics and will be serving as your co-treasurer alongside Maren this year! I stumbled upon climbing about 5 years ago and quickly fell in love with the sport (especially the superior discipline of rope climbing) and from competing, exploring new outdoor crags, meeting amazing people, adventures, and many a TRC/ rocky practice, I’ve made amazing memories climbing. When I am not climbing (or studying) I love to read, travel, go to concerts, explore new Charlottesville restaurants and coffee shops, and outdoor areas around Cville. I am always looking for the newest recommendations for any and all of the above or I’d be happy to give any advice about climbing or UVA. I can’t wait for a great semester!