CARRABASSETT VALLEY – They were starry-eyed autograph seekers two years ago. They were full of awe and excited to just play a bit part in the U.S. Alpine Ski Championships.

Now, Emma Coffin, Katie Houser and Kristin Waddle are seeing things from a different perspective. The three Carrabassett Valley Academy students aren’t just at the Nationals at Sugarloaf this week, but in them.

“It’s amazing,” said Waddle. “It’s a great experience to be able to ski with all these top-level skiers.”

The three seniors were forerunners two years ago. They met some of the top skiers and got autographs. They got to be star-struck fans with a front-row seat.

“Forerunning is really fun because you get to watch all the good people and be next to them in the start, but it’s a real honor to be able to participate as an athlete,” said Coffin, of Cumberland.

They’re not just getting a taste of the Nationals, they took a great big bite. They’re no longer the supporting cast. They are signing autographs and enjoying the experience as competitors.

“It definitely different,” said Houser, a Falmouth Foreside native whose family now lives in Marblehead, Mass.. “With all the big guns (signing autographs) and then you’re like ‘What? Me?’ It’s been neat. You have to keep reminding yourself that you’re a competitor.”

In addition to the racing, they were part of the parade, the banquet and the autograph sessions.

“That was really neat,” said Coffin. “I signed a handful of autographs.”

They still may be a bit awestruck at times and are still adjusting to their role as participants, but they’ve relished the excitement they feel and have savored every last minute.

“I feel like I’ve learned that it’s just racing,” said Houser. “I try not to look at the big girls and think, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s Lindsey Vonn. She won the World Cup overall.’ I have to remember that it’s just racing, it’s just me, and you’ve got to go for it and do the best that you can. You can’t worry about the people you’re competing against.”

The three qualified for Nationals at Eastern Cup Championship at Sugarloaf earlier this month. Waddle, of Harpswell, won the title, while Houser and Coffin were also in the top four.

“I was trying not to have any expectations,” Coffin said. “I was kind of surprised that I made it here to begin with. I just didn’t want to come in last. I know that sounds terrible, but that was my only goal.”

They’ve tried to keep aspirations in check but all three held their own and finished strong. Coffin finished 27th in the giant slalom Wednesday. Waddle was 30th while Houser was 36th.

“It was a big surprise just to make it,” Houser said. “I was pretty excited at first. Then as we started competing, you want to do better. I’m pretty happy with how I did. I made a few mistakes, but it all the experience for me right now.”

Waddle had the best results of the trio, finishing 22nd in the slalom and the downhill. She was also 27th in the super-G. She was most excited about her finish in the downhill.

“That’s my favorite,” she said. “I just love going fast.”

Coffin was thrilled about her strong finish in the giant slalom. She also was 36th in the super-G, 42nd in the downhill and 30th in the slalom. Coffin was in the top 30 after her first run Wednesday and was the third skier down the hill for the second run.

“It didn’t feel so great,” Coffin said of her first run that came after so many had failed to finish before her. “It was still a rough track. I was just trying to remember the fact that I’ve skied the course so many times.”

Houser was 25th in the slalom, 43rd in the super-G and 34th in the downhill.

The week gave them confidence and helped them see the sport through the eyes of some of its best competitors. The experience was invaluable.

“Just watching them, it helps you practice your own form and helps you see what really works, especially on the course since your starting in the back,” Coffin said.

There may be a little friendly competition between them, but no serious wagers. Having a chance to go through an experience like this with friends made it that much more special.

“It’s nice to have teammates,” Houser said. “It would be a little lonely here by yourself, especially today when you start in the back. It’s nice to have a few friends back there.”