MARQUETTE – Few high school athletes have gotten as comfortable on the MHSAA Finals medal stand as Sam Dehlin.

The Marquette senior and was crowned Division 1 champion in both the slalom and giant slalom Feb. 24 at Nub’s Nob.

“There really isn't a ceiling to how good you can be at something. It's just the amount of effort you're willing to put in,” Dehlin said.

The driven Dehlin repeated in the slalom, blazing the slopes at a combined 70.16 seconds. Dehlin’s giant slalom first place was his first championship in that event.

His performance also helped Marquette secure its first team championship since 2020.

“I think being part of a team is a really good motivator because you're not just training to make yourself better, but to support your team,” said Dehlin.

With all that Dehlin achieved throughout his career, he cites narrowing his focus as a key factor in his success.

“You can’t view everything in one big lens because then it looks pretty daunting,” Dehlin said. “But if you break it down (into) small parts it’s a lot easier to manage.”

The Marquette slope star also has dominated north of the Mackinac Bridge as he has been the Upper Peninsula skiing champion as well the last three seasons.

Dehlin also credited being in the right headspace as an important contributor to his achievements.

“If you can get a smile on your face and get excited for (skiing), I found that I ski a lot better,” said Dehlin.

He also believes a major reason for his individual success was the totality of his team's efforts.

“The importance of having good teammates that push each other to be better is what led to our team success this year,” Dehlin said. “Having a good group of guys that are all pushing each other to be better helps everybody individually and also as a team.”

As Dehlin’s high school career comes to an end, he plans to join a collegiate ski team or club but will focus on something other than athletics.

“I’m going to focus on academics, and I still want skiing to be part of my life,” Dehlin said, “but I don't necessarily want it to be like all of my life.”

PHOTOS (Top) Marquette’s Sam Dehlin passes a gate during the Division 1 Ski Finals on Feb. 24 at Nub’s Nob. (Middle) Dehlin, right, receives his second medal of the day after sweeping event championships. (Click for more by Tori Burley.)