Meet the Fall 2023 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 2023 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 - River Robins
Hey rock-stars! I’m River, a fourth-year Systems Engineering major (no, I still don’t know what Systems Engineering is), and one of the Co-Presidents of the team alongside Ben. I started climbing in high school and joined the climbing team here at UVA during my first year as a way to meet people and stay active during the pandemic, and it remains one of the best decisions I have ever made! This team has become like family to me, and I cannot recommend it enough to anyone even remotely interested in joining. Whether you are completely new to the sport or have a Mellow sponsorship, this team is for you! When I am not falling off rocks, I enjoy playing pickup sports, mountain biking, backpacking, and barreling down hills on my Ripstick. If you have any questions about the team or want to hear one of my notoriously terrible dad jokes, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
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 moon board at Rocky, or dying at comp team practice. 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 - Grace Lynch
Hi climbers! I can’t tell you how excited I am to be involved in the club this year as your social chair. This team has been an incredible part of my life since coming to UVA, and I’m happy to be decorating for our functions and bringing climbers together. Majoring in Biology and English, I now understand, more than I ever thought possible, exactly how the mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. I love little creatures of all kinds, microscopic and otherwise, hiking, camping, and of course, our climbing trips, despite how spicy an all-ramen diet can be. When I’m not huddled up in one of Clark’s big green chairs, you can find me with friends or frequenting Slaughter. If you see me at practice, feel free to divulge your love of frogs and bugs, and otherwise if not applicable, ask me my opinion on whether the Red or New River Gorge is better!
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 - Ryder Robins
Hey there! My name is Ryder and I will be working alongside Maren as treasurer. I am a second year planning on pursuing kinesiology and neuroscience. 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 made a world of difference in my first year experience, and I knew early on it was where I belonged. I encourage any and all to give it a shot, as it is one of the most welcoming communities you will find with a place for everyone to feel at home. 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 your favorite paper. Hope to see everyone around!