Coaches lead a Learn to Skate USA® class at Chaparral Ice in Austin, Texas.
Kathy Goeke is the program director consultant for Chaparral Ice, a facility located in Austin, Texas. Chaparral Ice’s Learn to Skate USA® program has exploded in popularity in recent years. “Our Learn to Skate program is the most profitable per hour activity for our facility,” Goeke said. “We had more than 3,100 class registrations in 2022 and our first two sessions this year have averaged 500 per session. The 2021–22 Learn to Skate USA® membership year was our largest ever, with 1,649 members registered.” The culture of Austin — active, highly community- driven and inclusive — has helped to enable the success of the rink’s Learn to Skate USA® program as well. “Our program has given patrons in the Austin area the opportunity to experience a sport that is unfamiliar to most in central Texas,” Goeke said. “We have intentionally created an environment where skaters from all demographic backgrounds know they are welcome. Also, we have tried to incorporate pricing structures that make skating accessible for everyone.” Adult participation in figure skating continues to grow at a rapid pace. Whether they are new to the sport or returning after a long absence, many adults see enrolling in a local Learn to Skate USA® program as a logical first step. A community such as Austin is a perfect match for adults looking to try new sports and activities. “Austin’s large active adult community is unique and is an advantage for our program not shared by most areas,” Goeke said. “Our adult Learn to Skate participation matches the Austin vibe.” The number of adults enrolled in Chaparral Ice’s Learn to Skate USA® program continues to grow. “For our January 2023 session for adults, we had 141 student adult registrations, 41 of whom were registered in advanced classes including free skate 1-6, the adult pre-bronze/bronze workshop, adult Aspire, ice dancing, power skating and edge class,” Goeke said. The Children’s Health StarCenter Farmers Branch also has a large adult figure skater population. “We (Farmers Branch) probably have one of the highest rates of adult participation of all of the eight StarCenter facilities,” Gibson said. “It’s about meeting the skater at the current level and
growing them from there.” While the Children’s Health StarCenter Euless does have adults who participate in the facility’s Learn to Skate USA® program, adults are not currently part of Team Euless Aspire Academy. However, it is being considered for the future. “We have quite a few adults who are starting to skate,” Skierski said. “Having a program tailored to adults would give them the opportunity to advance in skating, as well as develop bonds with each other.” No matter a skater’s age or level, it is important they feel included and part of their local skating community. “We are proud of the team environment we have created here,” Cain said. “There is a huge camaraderie among the kids in Team Euless Aspire Academy. We believe there is a place for everyone who is interested in skating. They can find a space for themselves in the sport, a place where they can excel.” Goeke hopes to expand Chaparral Ice’s current offerings to be even more inclusive. “We would love to get back to focusing on underserved communities now that the effects of the pandemic have eased,” Goeke said. “Starting an adaptive skating program is something we are considering. We used to have a wonderful Special Olympics program, and it would be great to work with that population of skaters again.” Maintaining a strong, ongoing connection to the sport is top of mind for Gibson. “Our biggest goal with Learn to Skate is to keep our skaters coming back to the rink and nurturing the love they have for the sport,” Gibson said. “We need to make sure people have a well-rounded understanding of how they can be involved, and continue to be involved, with skating.” To learn more about the programs featured in this article, visit: Children’s Health StarCenter Team Euless Aspire Academy: www.nhl.com/stars/starcenters/euless and Instagram: @dallasstars, @teameuless and @childrenshealthstarcenter Chaparral Ice: www.chaparralice.com and Facebook/Instagram: @chaparralice Children’s Health StarCenter Farmers Branch: www.nhl.com/stars/
grow their Learn to Skate USA® program, but to improve their overall retention numbers as well. “We have seen a 33% increase in unique participants from the 2021–22 season to now,” Gibson said. “We have also seen a 22% increase in retention this season.” Located west of the Farmers Branch facility is the Children’s Health StarCenter Euless. Darlene Cain serves as the Aspire team coordinator for the Euless location. Promising skaters who participate in the Learn to Skate USA® program are invited to join the Team Euless Aspire Academy. There are many opportunities for skaters of all levels to participate, Cain said. “There’s a place and a path for everyone to go,” Cain said. “It is not always about high-level skating. Our success as coaches is determined by how many of our skaters still love the sport when they leave.” Many skaters are seeking ways to connect with others who enjoy the sport, and being part of a team allows them to develop those friendships. “Figure skating is, for the most part, an individual sport,” said Whitney Skierski, assistant general manager of the Children’s Health StarCenter Euless. “However, the Team Euless Aspire Academy helps them to have that team experience, as well as build skills that come with being part of a team.” Olympic coach Darlene Cain directs the burgeoning Team Euless Aspire Academy.
starcenters/farmers-branch and Instagram: @dallasstars and @childrenshealthstarcenter
2023 HUMANA SKATE AMERICA | ALLEN, TX
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