Great athletes make everyone better.

Wilbraham & Monson Academy’s Marghe Negri ’23 is a great skier, and she made all of the Titans – even the coaches – better this season.

One week after winning the giant slalom at a regular season meet, Marghe blasted to a gold-medal finish in the slalom at the New England Prep School Athletic Council Championship, held Feb. 15 at Crotched Mountain in Bennington, New Hampshire.

“I learned that I won at the ceremony, when the (announcer said) my name,” said Marghe, of Italy. “I felt proud and I was really happy to hear all my teammates cheering loudly for me.”

“Marghe was very focused on her slalom race,” Coach Greg Morin explained. “The course had a very unusual set to it, and she discussed that with me after inspecting. It was obvious she was focusing on how she would attack it. She thought the course was pretty straight and was thinking running a direct line would work best. She was right. Her time was incredible.’’

Marghe led after the first run before posting a brilliant performance on her second leg, putting her on the top step of the podium.

“After my second run I knew that there was the possibility of winning the slalom race, but I didn’t have my time so I wasn’t sure about the results,” Marghe said. “I wasn’t really thinking about the result. I was just grateful because I had the chance to ski that day and have a lot of fun.”

And the WMA coaches were grateful to have Marghe on the ski team this season.

“Marghe brought her enthusiasm to the team this season,” Coach Morin beamed. “Her enthusiasm was contagious to the entire team, including the coaches. When she did well in the races, the rest of the team was even more inspired to do their best.”

Marghe also placed third in the giant slalom at the NEPSAC meet. Her accomplishment was the first time in recent years that a WMA skier won a gold and medaled in another race.

“This has been my first season in the WMA ski team,” Marghe said. “Me and the team had to face bad conditions of the snow unfortunately. However, we all had a lot of fun. All my coaches have been supporting and they have always showed happiness for my results. I’m grateful that WMA has a ski team because it has allowed me to practice and continue my passion also this year.”

“Marghe is a very accomplished and focused skier,” Coach Morin stated. “She understands the feedback she is given and can see it herself when we review videos. As accomplished as she is, she is always looking for constructive feedback. That is the difference between an OK athlete and one that excels.”