Choosing A Coach
When you are ready to advance beyond the group lesson environment, you will need to select a coach to give you private lessons on club ice sessions. GGBFSC has many qualified coaches available for lessons. A current listing of coaches, their qualifications and fees is posted on the club website. Talk to other skaters (and parents) who have been skating a while to see what their experiences have been like, talk to coaches you have an interest in, and watch them working with their students.
Be aware that there is a limited amount of ice time at all rinks, and instructor’s schedules will fill up. You may not be able to make arrangements with your first choice. You will deal directly with the coach, not the club or rink to set up lessons and pay fees.
Your coach is a critical part in your skating experience. It is important to heed their advice. They will determine suggested practice times, and make suggestions regarding testing and competing. In general, a coach may spend about 15 to 20 min. per 55 min sessions on the ice with a skater.
You will receive a separate bill from your coach for time spent with each skater. They also charge for time spent with the skater at test sessions and competitions, as well as travel expenses.
Changing Coaches
The relationship between skater and coach is, of course, very important. Parents are usually a key additional component. Courtesy and communication are vital in this partnership, but when special situations arise and a coaching change is requested, USFSA offers the following guidelines regarding the proper and ethical sequence of behavior.
First, inform the current professional: the skater or parent of the skater should discuss with the current professional the desire to discontinue the business relationship. Once the final bill is paid, lessons can begin with a new professional.
The new professional must confirm with previous professional that the resolution of the relationship has taken place and that the final bill has been paid before giving any lessons to the skater.
Next, approach the potential new professional: the skater or parent of the skater should approach the new professional to set up lessons. (Again, this should take place only after the current professional has been informed of the desire to discontinue lessons.)
The potential new coach should remind the skater or parent to discuss the situation with the current coach. The parent or skater must pay the final bill to the current coach before starting lessons with the new coach. The new coach should confirm with the previous coach that notification has been provided and that the final bill has been paid. The new coach and the parent or skater can set up lessons.
GGBFSC does not act as intermediary between pro and member. We urge each party to resolve the situation both privately and respectfully. In the event of any unresolved issue the GGBFSC Board of Directors will provide advice and suggestions; and may exercise its right to authorize a final decision in the matter.
You are expected to respect all pros who teach on the ice and they in turn will respect and help to protect your rights as a member of GGBFSC.
All pros must be USFSA members and approved by the GGBFSC Board of Directors. The board recommends the pros follow the code of ethics as outlined by the Professional Skaters Association (PSA) and requires the same respect be given the GGBFSC rules.
All Visiting Coaches must provide U.S. Figure Skating credentials, their member number and proof of insurance to the GGBFSC Board of Directors.
Personal Levels Attained:
Gold Moves, Gold Freestyle, Gold Ice Dance, Gold Solo Free Dance, Juvenile Free Dance, Artistic Recall Champion 2014, and 5 International dances, First GGBFSC club member to become Quadruple Gold
Skating Background:
Over 35 years of coaching experience at all levels of Basic Skills, Skating Skills (formerly Moves in the Field), and Singles (Freeskate). Have coached skaters through Senior Moves in the Field and Senior Freeskate.
Skating Background:
Kourtney grew up as a member of the Wisconsin Rapids figure skating club when she fell in love with the sport at a young age. After injury, she refocused her attention on coaching.
Skating Background:
My mom enrolled me in Basic Skills skating when I was only 3 years old and I have not left the ice since! I held memberships at both Merrill and Wausau, WI, but also trained for many years in Stillwater, MN and later in Green Bay. Previously on coaching staff for MIRFSC, TFSC and Antigo FSC. Coaching professionally for over 10 years and still counting!!!
Skating Background:
Regional medalist and Junior Olympic Competitor, Synchronized Sectionals Medalist
Skating Background:
Over 20 years of skating experience including individual competition and testing, 5 Years Synchronized Skating, 4 Years High School Skating, 2 Years Intercollegiate Skating, Synchronized Skating Bronze Sectional Medalist, Artistic Recall Bronze Medalist, 9 years as a Gambler Girl on the Promotions Team for the Green Bay Gamblers
Tests Passed:
Gold Dance, International Dances, Novice Freestyle
Skating Background:
Competitive skater in Singles, Pairs, and Free Dance. Regional Competitor, has taken skaters through pairs, free dance and compulsory dance test. PSA member and Certified Professional Coach CER. As a skater tested in Figures, Freestyle, Moves in the field, Compulsory Dance, Free Dance and Pairs.
Skating Background:
At 6 years old, I was in the GGBFSC'S Learn to Skate program. I fell in love and have been skating ever since. I have 15+ years of skating experience. Throughout my skating journey I have achieved 4 Gold Medals; Gold Moves in the Field (Skating Skills), Gold Partnered Pattern Ice Dance, as well as three International Partnered Pattern Dances, Gold Solo Pattern Ice Dance, Gold Solo Freedance, and Silver Adult Singles.
Skating Background:
I have been taking figure skating lessons for 16 years. I have helped with teaching skating to all ages and levels throughout my skating career. I was on the DePere high school skating team for two seasons. We placed 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in moves in the field.
Personal Levels Attained:
Adult Gold Skating Skills, Pre-Silver Skating Skills, Adult Silver Singles, And Pre-Bronze Singles.
Skating Background
I have been skating since I was 3 years old and I have always loved watching competitive skating. I have trained with various professional coaches throughout my time skating, as well as being a student of Brittyni Carlson for most of my career. I've placed and competed at many competitions including winning 1st place for dramatic interpretation of music at Valley Figure Skating Club.
I started figure skating at 9 years old in Chaska, Minnesota. I quickly fell in love with the sport and began competing and testing right away. In 2019, I moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin, and became a member of the GGBFSC. I have trained with multiple professional coaches on and off the ice throughout my skating career, including PSA Master Rated coaches and specialty coaches in all disciplines of figure skating. I was the first GGBFSC member to earn 5 gold medals! I have earned Gold Skating Skills, Gold Singles, Gold Solo Free Dance, Partnered Gold Dances, and Solo Gold Dances. I have been a learn to skate coach for many years, both in MN and in WI. I am a secondary club coach who partners with other club coaches to help their skaters achieve their goals. I am a college student, so I only offer private lessons in the summer.
Skating Background
I grew up in Chicago, skating for 12 years and competing as a soloist before focusing on synchronized skating. After college, I began coaching at the same rink I learned to skate at and have been doing so for over 10 years.
Skating Background:
I grew up in Neenah, WI and started skating at 10 years old when the Tri-County Ice Arena opened. I have 20 years skating experience with test sessions, competitions, ice shows and coaching. I have been coaching for 8+ years with both group and private lessons. I am a current member of the USFS and the GGGBFS.
While attending college, I taught the college skating class to fellow classmates. After college, I taught group and private lessons at the Jon Sorkan University Skate School. And, I’m currently teaching group and private lessons with the GGBFC. I coach skaters of all ages in foundational Skating Skills and Free Skate – jumps, spins, and step sequence. My main focus while coaching is to create a positive experience for my skaters, develop skating athletes of all levels, foster self-confidence and instill a lifelong passion for skating.
