In August 2024, under the blazing summer sun of Park City, Utah, Ashton Salwan was preparing for one of the most pivotal events in his preseason calendar — the Ultimate Airwave water ramp competition at the Utah Olympic Park. Just a week prior, he had tested his jumps in Mettmenstetten, Switzerland, marking the beginning of the 2024/25 season. But it was in Park City where the fireworks truly began.
That week, Ashton had the rare opportunity to train under Coach Matt “Saundo” Saunders — a brief yet transformative partnership that would come to define his trajectory as an independent athlete. From day one, Saundo’s deep expertise in freestyle aerials was undeniable. He quickly identified Ashton’s technical gaps and strengths, crafting a customized plan that sharpened every aspect of his form.
But it wasn’t just mechanics. Saundo’s coaching instilled a fierce sense of self-belief and readiness. Under his sharp eye, Ashton stunned the field, finishing second among all U.S. men and ninth overall — a breakout moment that validated how much progress could be unlocked with the right guidance.
Their collaboration resumed on January 7, 2025, when Saundo rejoined Ashton for a high-stakes six-week run spanning Bristol Mountain, Lake Placid, Deer Valley, and Lac-Beauport. These weren’t just competitions — they were battlegrounds, each bringing its own set of challenges, from unpredictable weather to competing against the world’s elite.
Throughout it all, Ashton leaned into Saundo’s clarity and communication. Every adjustment had a reason. Every tactical move had a purpose. It was a collaborative effort built on respect, honesty, and shared drive. The results followed: consistent progression, composed performances, and a growing reputation on the circuit.
When setbacks came — as they inevitably do — Saundo didn’t miss a beat. His ability to adapt and problem-solve in real time kept Ashton’s momentum steady. Whether recalibrating jump strategy or addressing mental blocks, Saundo’s thorough, no-stone-unturned approach reshaped Ashton’s confidence and performance.
By season’s end, Ashton had clinched an 11th-place finish at the Almaty World Cup — his highest yet — along with a new personal best in jump difficulty. These milestones weren’t just career highlights. They were proof of what could be achieved with the right coach, even in a compressed timeframe.
For Ashton, choosing Saundo was more than a strategic move — it was a leap of faith that paid dividends. As an independent U.S. athlete navigating one of the world’s toughest sports without institutional support, having someone who believed in him made all the difference.
Saundo didn’t just show up — he showed Ashton what he was capable of. He fostered growth not just as an athlete, but as a person. Ashton walked away not only with results — but with perspective. Confidence. Clarity. Proof that even a single coach, given the chance, can change the entire course of a career.
