What does it mean to put the skater first?

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I have spent many years in the world of competitive figure skating, and more than often I have seen the same dynamic, the needs of the parent and coach are put before the needs of the skater. This results often in "skater burnout", and has many skaters quitting or resenting the sport. It is a shame to see so much wasted potential due to the lack of care for the athlete, who the sport is for in the first place.

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For me, it's not about the placement, how the skater compares to others, or how the skater "represents" me; I care about the skater and their personal goals, as well as ensuring that the entire time they love being on the ice.

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It has been proven that children learn and progress faster with a positive learning environment tailored to their personal needs. Some students need toughness while others need a softer approach. Some skaters learn by doing and some by seeing. Every skater is unique and so is their learning process. It is imperative that these needs are met so that a skater can reach their full potential. No student should ever leave their lesson in tears because of negative comments from a coach; no student should have anxiety coming to the rink.

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When we put the skater first, they want to practice and train harder. They don't want to quit at 18 because they are "too old" for the sport. They realize that excellence takes time, and understand the depth of being a mature and well-rounded skater. In my training, I value all avenues of skating from traditional Well-Balanced to Excel and Showcase.

 

Whether a skater is looking to become a serious competitor, pass all their Moves and Free Skate tests, perform in shows, or just learn some "cool tricks", there's always space for them in my group. Every student is valued equally.

 

 

Some coaches may see me as "unconventional" because my students and I laugh during our lesson or sometimes I bring in donuts as practice bribery. I also take the time to learn about my students' current interests and encourage any other passions they have in life. For me, my favorite coach wasn't just a skating coach but a life-long friend and mentor (yes, we still keep in contact!) He inspired me to become that type of coach for my students and it has been more than rewarding in return. It is a privilege to work with and understand skaters throughout all phases of life while ensuring that skating is always their outlet from the busyness of the world. Many of the mental skills I've learned in skating are easily applicable to real-world situations, and teaching children how to navigate that both on the ice and off is one of my top priorities.

 

Take a look through the site to see what class options are best for you! Contact me if you have any questions :)

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