Team USA snowboarder Senna Leith has announced his retirement from professional snowboard cross racing, bringing to a close a career that included more than a decade on the international circuit, and multiple World Cup podiums. The 27-year-old from Vail, Colorado, shared the news in an emotional social media post, reflecting on a career that fulfilled his childhood dream.
“Well, I am officially retiring.
I’ve been fortunate to spend over a decade of my life traveling the world full-time, competing professionally in the sport I love most. Being a professional snowboarder was always my dream job as a kid, and I am so lucky to have made that my actual career for so many years.”
Leith said his greatest memories were not the results, but the relationships he built throughout his career.
“To have stood on multiple World Cup podiums, to have competed in every far corner of the world, to have been a member of the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team for so long, to have been a part of multiple World Championship teams, and just narrowly missing two Olympic teams… What I really look back on is all of the incredible people I was able to share those moments with. Teammates, coaches, competitors… all of whom became much more than friends, but family to me.”
Leith established himself as one of the top American snowboard cross riders over the past decade, earning multiple World Cup podium finishes while becoming a consistent presence on the international circuit. He also enjoyed tremendous success in the Nor-Am Cup, collecting eight victories and 16 podium finishes. One of his standout seasons came in 2016-17, when he won four consecutive Nor-Am snowboard cross events.
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In addition to his World Cup career, Leith represented the United States at multiple FIS Snowboard World Championships and twice came agonizingly close to qualifying for the Winter Olympics. Leith has not competed since 2025. He said tepping away from competition had given him the perspective needed to know it was time to move on. “Over the past months, I had some distance between myself and the sport, as I explored other aspects of my life and career passions… and I realized I am ready to close this chapter.” He made it clear, however, that snowboarding will continue to play a major role in his future. “Snowboarding will still remain a massive part of my life and career, just in a different fashion.”
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His retirement announcement was met by an outpouring of support from other Team USA members and international snowboard cross competitors. Former teammate Alex Deibold wrote, “Congrats on a great career. It was a pleasure doing battle with you out there…..now for the hard part,” while Team USA halfpipe snowboarder Ryan Wachendorfer put it simply:“Congrats on a good one!!” Deibold has been open about his struggles with depressions following his Olympic bronze medal and retirement.
Leith concluded his post by thanking the many people who supported him throughout his journey. “It’s been one hell of a ride, and I am so thankful for everyone who was a part of it… Every single one of my coaches, teammates, physical therapists, servicemen, doctors, sponsors, fellow competitors, friends and family members that have played a role in this journey… I love you all, and thank you.”
Away from racing, Leith has long been known for his love of photography, hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the outdoors — interests that may now take on an even larger role as he begins the next phase of his career.
