2025 USA SLALOM SKATEBOARDING TEAM

Meet Joe McLaren, hailing from Superior, Colorado, a dynamic force in the world of slalom skateboarding. With an illustrious track record boasting eight World Championship titles, Joe dominates the men’s pro world racing circuit with unparalleled finesse and power. Setting new benchmarks each season, his relentless pursuit of excellence has rewritten the history of slalom racing, propelling him to the forefront of the ISSA World Rankings year after year. Beyond his extraordinary feats on the board, Joe assumes pivotal roles as the President of USA Slalom Skateboarding and Secretary for both the ISSA and World Skate Slalom Working Group, cementing his influence and leadership within the global skateboarding community.

Josh Byrd, originally from Mississippi and now residing in Nashville, Tennessee, is a prominent figure in the world of slalom skateboarding. Serving as the Secretary of USA Slalom Skateboarding, Josh has been deeply involved in the sport since 2000. He secured the Junior World Champion title in 2003 before retiring from the sport a few years later. Josh made a triumphant return in 2022 at the US Nationals, securing an impressive 5th place. The following year, 2023, proved to be a remarkable racing season for Josh, as he achieved notable placements, including 3rd place at the Texas Sizzler, 6th place in the Pro class at the US National Championship, and 11th place in the Pro class at the World Championship. Riding a JBH/PG board while partnersing with Robot Oblivion trucks, RipTide bushings, and Pat’s Risers, Josh’s equipment reflects his dedication to precision and performance. Byrd is also representing Old Bones Therapy, TN Slalom Skateboarding, RoadKill Racing, La Costa Racing Team and Stoke Slalom Collective, Josh Byrd continues to leave his mark on the slalom skateboarding community with his skill, determination, and passion for the sport.

Lou Statman’s journey to the 2024 World Skate Games in Italy began in 1975 when a house fire led him to discover skateboarding in Longview, Texas. This sparked a lifelong passion. Lou’s dedication to skateboarding paralleled his achievements in life. He earned his Eagle Scout rank, graduated from Longview High School in 1986, and Austin College in 1990. He also met his wonderful wife and became a stepfather. Lou’s commitment to excellence extended to his skateboarding career, culminating in a World Championship title.

Lou’s skateboarding accomplishments include being the 2011 Amateur World Champion and the 2021-22 Cyberslalom Overall Champion. He has skated in TASL, NSA, Vans Warp Tours, MTV events, and World Cup Skateboarding events. Lou has also run numerous contests, races, and demos, and consulted on skate park adoption and construction.

Born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, Judi Oyama is a pioneer in skateboarding. Rising through the ranks in the 1970s and 1980s, Oyama became a prominent female skateboarder, breaking new ground in downhill racing, vert and slalom competitions. Being one of the few women competing in a predominantly male sport, she broke barriers and inspired a new generation of female skaters, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the sport. Judi, an original N-Men icon, has achieved two Slalom Skateboard World Championship titles, induction into the Skateboard Hall of Fame in 2018, and recognition in the Sports Hall of Fame at Aptos High School. Judi represents a diverse array of sponsors such as RipTide Sports, Catto’s Graphics, The Wrigley Building, GORUCK, Insta360, Yeti, KT Tape, Momentous, S1 Helmet, Girl Is NOT A 4 Letter Word, Lenz Arts, Santa Cruz Skateboards, Bronson Bearings, MOB Grip, River Birchall Foundation, Santa Cruz Boardroom, Sk8Kings Skateboards, Turbo Skate Wheels, Badass Skatemom, Greg Foy Construction, Santa Cruz Pavers, Art Factory Studios, Aptos Chiropractic Center, Laird Superfood, Helinox, West Fitness, Vans Shoes, LaCosta Racing Team and Noso Patches. She continues to inspire and influence the skateboarding community with her passion, skill, and unwavering dedication.

Jennifer Coppa, skating from San Pedro, California, boasts an impressive 52 years of experience on the board. At 55, Jennifer continues to push her limits and pursue new challenges in the skateboarding world. Her recent accomplishments in 2023 include bravely dropping in off the start ramp for the first time at the Nationals and clinching a commendable 3rd place in the amateur Women hybrid category at the World’s. Among her cherished moments is securing another 3rd place at the Mecca Ditch event in 2023. Jennifer’s dedication to the sport is evident not only in her accomplishments but also in her enduring passion for skateboarding history, as evidenced by her involvement in Womxn skateboard history. Supported by sponsors Sk8kings Skateboards and Turbo Wheels, as well as the continuous support of her family and friends, Jennifer Coppa remains an inspiration to skateboarders of all ages.

Maggie’s skateboarding journey began at age four, swiftly progressing to slalom skateboarding by kindergarten and culminating in victory at her debut U.S. Nationals race. Mentored by world champion Lou Statman, she has since competed internationally, securing sponsorships from Sk8Kings, La Costa Racing, and Toyota of Cedar Park. Notably, Maggie claimed first place in the Women’s category at the 25 Cone World Series and eagerly anticipates the upcoming World Skate Games in Rome. Maggie loves all forms of skateboarding including skating transitions and park. When she’s not on wheels, you can find her acting in theater competitions and making art.

Francesca Rosario-Custodio has been skating for the past 12 years, exploring all disciplines of skateboarding. She started with freestyle and transition, then ventured into the downhill race scene, traveling to races throughout the USA, Mexico, and the Philippines, at one point reaching #5 in the world. During this time, she participated in a couple of small slalom events and enjoyed skating slalom for fun. Francesca has worked in the skate industry for several years, including stints at a skate shop and for a board manufacturer, where she helped design prototype longboards. Through her industry experience, she had the opportunity to meet some of her skateboard heroes, including Lynn Kramer, the 17th world women’s slalom champion. Lynn and Francesca became friends, traveling to Maryhill together. Lynn has served as a role model, mentor, and coach to Francesca over the years. After overcoming several injuries in downhill skating, Francesca is now returning to the slalom skating scene. When she is not skating with the La Costa Racing team or friends, she enjoys bowl riding, sailboat racing, and performing skateboarding stunt work in the film industry.