Skating Club of Amherst a loving home for ARHS figure skaters
It’s Tuesday at 4 p.m. and ARHS senior Juliet Coleman is where she almost always is at that time, on the ice practicing for her next big show. She smiles as she races past people in the stands and leaps almost effortlessly into the air.
The Skating Club of Amherst is a place to learn basic skating skills, with many coaches to teach and guide the students to different levels. Laurie Leaman is the head coach of SCA and a member of U.S. Figure Skating, with assistant coaches Lindsey Fenton-Seifel, Susan Hamilton, Kaleigh McKenna, Sue Rigney, Kelly Sonoda, Kiara Sonoda, Athena Tapases, and Robert Theroux.
The club offers programs for those aged four through adults, with different skills and age groups. To advance to different levels, a coach teaches skaters new skills to help them advance.
Coleman has been with the Skating Club of Amherst for years, having started skating when she was three years old and beginning lessons at six. Although the SCA doesn’t have official captains, Coleman said that “seniors have more authority for sure,” she said, “but the coaches are the leaders, so I can help when needed.”
Coleman skates three times a week, one of those days is teaching younger students basic skills and choreography. “Usually we split into smaller groups and I teach them moves for about half the lesson,” she said. “I sometimes improvise around their current skills.”
Coleman enjoys the independence of skating, as it’s a way to express herself, and has low stress. “I’m not doing it to be the best,” she said. “It’s more for fun, and it’s less stressful that way.”
The coaches of SCA provide guidance and support through their teachings and preparation to their students, and Coleman expressed appreciation for her coach, Kaleigh Mckenna. “I’m her main student and her approach is supporting me and teaching and helping me advance when doing tests and shows,” Coleman said. “All the coaches are good, and it’s nice to be friends with my coach, Kaleigh, because she’s very approachable and accepting of my altercations.”
ARHS sophomore Phoenix Scully is also a part of the Skating Club of Amherst and has been skating for eight years. She practices twice a week. Her coach, Kiara Sonoda, advises about making sure to solidify the basic skills to help with harder stuff. “Balance and thinking are a big part of skating,” Scully said.
The Skating Club of Amherst uses the Mullins Center rink at UMass Amherst, and shares with local and UMass hockey teams. There is often conflict with the ice at the Mullins Center, as the hockey skates are rough, leaving grooves and bumps.
“The Zamboni goes over the ice after the hockey teams practice, but their skates dig deep and leave ridges,” Coleman said. “But the bigger interference is that the ice time is limited because we all have to share.”
Coleman and Scully added that the team environment is mostly individual, but there’s support from other teammates and advice on skills. “During show season, it can get a little tense,” Coleman said, “but overall the team environment is good because it’s an individual sport.”
Scully thinks similarly, saying “when in a group, everyone is nice and supportive.”
Preparing for a show is important, as you have choreography, cues, jumps, turns, and moves. “Lots of practice, stretching, and listening to the song you’re skating to over and over before you go on,” Scully said. “But the costumes and shows are really fun and one of the best parts.”
Coleman mentioned how she prepares herself beforehand. “I used to get nervous before shows, but now I figure everything out beforehand so that’s not my main concern,” she said.
Overall, The Skating Club of Amherst is inclusive, supportive, and a fun way to learn the beautiful sport of skating, and Coleman said she is grateful for all her time spent with them on the ice.
