The Vertical World Climbing Team, also established in 1987, consists of many of the nation’s strongest youth climbers. Its colors are Red and White. Its key symbol/logo is a shield featuring Seattle’s icon – the Space Needle with the words reading: Vertical World Climbing Team est. 1987.

For the past 15 years, Vertical World Climbing Team has consistently placed in the Top 3 at both the ABS and SCS National Championships.

VW Climbing Team Fund:

The VWCTF is a separate, non-profit group that exists to support the kids with their travels and other unforeseen expenses that may come along with competition. Their mission is “To support youth aspiring national and international success through rock climbing. To contribute to the VWCTF, please click on the donate button below, or join in one of the rebate/matching programs already supporting our youth! 501(c)(3)

CASH DONATIONS

FREDMEYER REBATE PROGRAM

Sign up for the Community Rewards program by linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to the Vertical World Climbing Team Fund. You can search for us by name or by our non-profit number (#80888). Every time you shop and use your Rewards Card, you are helping the Team Fund earn a donation!

AMAZON SMILES

Select the Vertical World Climbing Team Fund before you begin shopping. Amazon will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.

MICROSOFT MATCHING

Microsoft matches employee nonprofit donations up to $15,000 per employee each year. Please donate to the VW Team Fund today!.

Coaching Staff

Tyson Schoene

Head Coach, since 2002. Part of the US National Climbing Team Coaching Staff.I grew up in a climbing family. We were members at the original Vertical World from its inception. I started taking sport climbing seriously when I was 10 years old and competed from ’89-’93 before there were climbing teams or coaches or even many youth competitors.

I began coaching a small group at our gyms and built it into what it is today. I’m thankful every day for this opportunity. Not many people are given the chance to change lives and make a difference. I think of this every time the kids come through the door. We are training climbers and building community, but most importantly we are building a foundation for these kids that will allow them to be successful in all aspects of their lives. The skills they are learning here translate directly to most obstacles and situations you will see. I am proud to be a part of that, and I am grateful to be given the chance.

Alex Fritz

Fritz Age: 22; Years climbing: 15; Years coaching: 5

Accomplishments: U.S. National Team for Youth and Adult, Apprentice Coach for U.S. Youth National Team at Youth Worlds (2013), climbing just as good in street shoes as climbing shoes. USA Climbing Level 1 Route Setter

Piper Boss

Piper Age: 18; Years climbing: 11

I have been on the climbing team since I was 11 years old, and I’m excited to continue as a coach! Outside of climbing I love hiking, backpacking, skiing, and anything else outdoors.

Siobhan Duffy

siobhan Age: 20; Years climbing: 14

I have been climbing since I was 6 years old. I started climbing at Vertical World with my parents and tagged along on their trips to Squamish, Smith, and Eastern Washington. I was on Vertical World Climbing team for 8 years and now coach at our Seattle facility. I am currently a junior at the University of Washington, studying biology. When I am not working or studying, I spend my time climbing at Little Si or running in Discovery Park with my dog.

Megan Grabow

meagangrabow Age: 17; Years climbing: 9

I competed with the Vertical World climbing team for five years. Now I spend my days teaching programs and coaching. I can’t wait to see the next generation of kids send my projs.

Arabella Pearson

Bella

My name is Arabella Pearson but people at the climbing gym call me Bella. I grew up as a soccer player and started competing for Vertical World Climbing Team 4 years ago when I discovered climbing was a sport. When I am not climbing, I coach team, teach youth programs at vertical world and am a senior in high school. I love passing on climbing wisdom to the kids who can barely reach the start holds.

Miriam Timson

I have been on Vertical World climbing team for the past ten years, since I was eight years old. I grew up competing for Vertical World and climbing outside when I can. I am currently a freshman at the University of Washington and coach at the Seattle gym.

Jenna Tseng

jennatseng Age: 18; Years climbing: 11

I’ve been climbing on the VW team since I was 9, been teaching youth programs since I was 13, and assisted coaching team since I was 16. I’ve grown up in the climbing community, and am super psyched to now be a mentor for the young team kids. I’m currently a senior in high school and will be going to college next fall.