Downhill Speed, Uphill Dreams: DU’s Para Alpine Champ Audrey Crowley Earns Prestigious Willy Schaeffler Scholarship
Recognized for her excellence both on the slopes and in the classroom, Audrey Crowley is ready to inspire at DU and beyond.
Awarded once every four to five years, the Willy Schaeffler Scholarship is one of DU’s most selective honors, supporting scholar-athletes with a disability who excel in both academics and athletics. This year, that honor belongs to 18-year-old Audrey Crowley, a rising star on the Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team and a Paralympic hopeful. In 40 plus years, Audrey is the eighth student to receive this prestigious scholarship.
A Legacy of Impact
The Willy Schaeffler Scholarship Fund was established in 1986 by his son, Jimmy, with early support from Willy himself, along with several former DU athletes and friends of both Willy and the University. The fund honors the legendary DU, Olympic, and U.S. Ski Team coach. From 1951 to 1973, Schaeffler led the DU Pioneer Ski Team to 14 NCAA championship titles—a record that still stands—and served in leadership roles at the 1960 and 1972 Winter Olympic Games.
“My father truly cared about others at all levels and was passionate about expanding opportunities for all athletes, including those with disabilities,” says Jimmy. “He co-founded the nation’s first amputee ski program at Arapahoe Basin in 1968. This scholarship fund is a way to honor his legacy and continue his efforts to help make the world a better place, through DU sports and DU academics.”
Willy was dedicated to expanding opportunities for scholar-athletes with disabilities—with a preference for competitive skiers. He valued education, hard work, integrity, and character—qualities the Willy Schaeffler Scholarship Fund Board saw in Audrey’s application. No stranger to hard work, perseverance, and pushing her limits, Audrey was thrilled to be selected for the prestigious four-year scholarship to DU.
DU was already at the top of her college wish list. When a mentor and board member from Adaptive Spirit (the organization that fundraises for the U.S. Para Ski Team) encouraged her to apply, it felt like the perfect fit. The scholarship aligns with her academic goals and her dream of competing on the world stage. In fall 2026, she will join the DU community, after representing the U.S. at the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in Italy.
Racing Ahead
As the youngest member of the Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team, Audrey thrives alongside more experienced teammates. She also races (and wins) against skiers without disabilities in smaller competitions worldwide. For Audrey, it’s not just about victory. Racing in these events lets her learn from everyone on the course and gives her a fresh perspective on the sport.
“I love to be challenged. That’s why I love skiing,” she says. “Every day is different—the snow, the course, the lighting. Winning isn’t just about skill; it’s about taking whatever the day throws at you and finding a way to be the fastest down the hill. It’s not just about racing, really, it’s kind of how I approach everything. I show up, and always do my best.”
Balancing Books and the Slopes
Audrey’s drive extends well beyond competition, encompassing both her athletic and academic pursuits. A graduate of Eagle County’s Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy—a public school designed to accommodate the rigorous schedules of aspiring athletes—she maintained a 4.0-plus cumulative GPA, reflecting her commitment to making academics a non-negotiable priority. “My parents never gave me an option—education always came first,” she says with a laugh. “If I needed help, I asked. I stayed late to get it done. It also doesn’t hurt that I really like school and learning. I work hard to be my best self, whether it’s in class or at the starting gate.”
Balancing world-class training with demanding coursework takes discipline, time management, and a love for the process. Audrey credits her teachers, coaches, family—and especially her older sister—for keeping her inspired and motivated.
“My success didn’t happen overnight,” she says. “It’s taken years of hard work and the support of my family and friends. Having a community behind you makes all the difference.”
Her father, Steve, agrees. “Audrey has always been a competitive kid. Skiing, softball, school, whatever she was focused on, she needed to go beyond others. For her mom and me, the arm was never an excuse, and we have been lucky, in that her friends, coaches, and teachers never gave her a break either.”
A Voice for the Next Generation
At DU, Audrey plans to explore a career in athletics, while keeping her options open. What she knows for sure is her desire to inspire young athletes whose bodies may work differently than most.
“There are so many paths; no dream is unreachable,” she says. “Hard work matters. Embrace challenges, keep an open mind, work through the tough moments, and say yes to the opportunities. And, if somebody tells you it can’t be done, remember this quote from Lightning McQueen, the speedy hero in Disney’s ‘Cars’: ‘I just never thought I couldn’t.’ More than just a movie quote, it’s a motto everyone can live by.”
“Scholarships like the Willy Schaeffler Fund are a cornerstone of The Denver Difference campaign,” says Val Otten, senior vice chancellor for advancement. “They empower extraordinary students like Audrey to pursue their dreams, while reflecting our commitment to making a DU education accessible—fostering leaders who excel in academics, athletics, and beyond.”
When Audrey steps onto campus, she’ll bring more than just her medals and titles. She carries with her Willy’s spirit—his drive, determination, passion for sport, and commitment to helping those qualified scholar-athletes reach their potential—making her exactly the kind of student the Willy Schaeffler Scholarship Fund was created to support.
“This unique scholarship fund keeps a beloved coach and mentor’s amazing memory alive,” says Jimmy. “Our dream is to grow the fund, opening the door for even more students like Audrey, and to give them the chance to excel in the classroom, in athletics, and in life.”
For more information about the Willy Schaeffler Scholarship Fund, please contact Shelby Glenn, Assistant Vice Chancellor, Principal Gifts, Donor Relations, and Stewardship at shelby.glenn@du.edu.
