In her first IBU Cup, Tanguay placed 82nd overall in the 7.5K Sprint competition on Friday. The following day, she posted a 76th place finish, also in the 7.5K Sprint competition. Tanguay spent last season on the IBU Junior Cup circuit for the USA Junior Biathlon team.

“Dolcie has worked so hard over the past four years, quietly and patiently putting in the work,” Paul Smith’s College Nordic head coach Matt Dougherty said. “To see all that hard work pay off is an absolute testament to her tenacious work ethic. It has been rewarding to watch her continue to develop as a biathlete, and getting this start at the IBU Cup is an amazing opportunity.”

In October, Tanguay traveled to Midway, Utah to compete against some of the top senior women’s biathletes in the United States at the Schutzenski Festival for U.S. Biathlon. The selection event, held at the Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, is used as a tryout for U.S. Biathlon to rank and place biathletes on the various national and international cup teams, including the IBU Cup and senior Biathlon World Championships.

Tanguay had a solid weekend in her first competitive racing at the national team level, finishing in eighth place on the first day and and 12th place on the second. Her results secured her a spot on the IBU Cup team.

Before the IBU Cup, Tanguay said she was super excited to represent the United States at a senior-level biathlon race.

“I knew this goal was on the horizon but wasn’t sure if I would reach it this season,” she said. “The constant support from Paul Smith’s College over the last few years is the reason why I am still involved in the sport. I’m so grateful for everyone that has helped me along the way.”

The Paul Smith’s College Nordic ski team has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years, winning the 2022 USCSA Men’s National Championship and churning out top talent at the collegiate level.

“For a college that just started a biathlon program four years ago to have an athlete reach the IBU Cup is tremendous,” Dougherty said. “Kudos to Dolcie and a huge thank you to everyone who helps make this happen. It takes so much support for these athletes, and I am thankful for everyone who has helped us here at Paul Smiths College.”