I AM A COACH BECAUSE

I am a coach because of the kids and the passion I have for the sport itself. There is no other feeling quite like helping young athletes further develop their natural persistence, determination, discipline, dedication, resiliency, work ethic, heart, leadership skills, connection with, and respect for, others, not only in competition, but in life!

Stacie Mahoe

Professional Coaches Profiles

All of our staff coaches are USFS and/or PSA members. Skating Academy has one of the most impeccably credentialed coaching staff in the Southern Wisconsin area and we are proud of our coaching accomplishments and expertise.

  • Katelyn Smecko (Sun Prairie Skating Director)
    • Member of PSA, USFSA, and Learn to Skate USA
    • Professional Skaters Association Coach
    • Passed Senior Freeskate and Senior Moves in the Field
    • Two time Regional medalist
    • Sectional Competitor- both Junior and Senior Level
    • Professional Soloist for Willy Bietak Productions and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
    • Coaching experience in Freestyle, Moves in the Field, and Learn to Skate
  • Nikki Brown
    • Skating since the age of 8 and was member of FSCMadison through High School
    • Coaching since 2000, started her coaching career at the University of Delaware working with World and Olympic coaches
    • Degree in Figure Skating Science
    • Co-director for program at the Boulder Valley Ice Arena
    • Member of the 2001 Collegiate Figure Skating Team
    • Co-founder of the Delaware Collegiate Figure Skating Team
    • Achieved Novice MIF, Intermediate FS, Pre-Silver Dances
  • Olivia Diaz
    • Coaching Basic Skills classes for 2 years at the Sun Prairie arena.
    • Competed at the Badger State Games and many other USFS competitions as an elementary school age skater.
    • Horseback riding since age 9. Accomplished western rider and rides Hunter/Jumpers.
    • Student at Madison College – Liberal Arts Transfer program
    • Olivia enjoys working with children and seeing the benefit skating gives kids – keeping them healthy and active and giving them the confidence they need for all areas of life.
  • Erin Fergusson-Frey
    • Competed for the FSCMadison 15 years
    • Coaching 22 years
    • Completed Junior Freestyle, 7th figures and Pre-Gold Dances
    • Competed at Sectionals and was the Intermediate Ladies Regional Champion
    • Coached by: Julianne Berlin, Janet Champion, Phillip Mills, Peter Dolby,, Renee Roca, Debbie Stoery, Susi Wherli
    • Degree in Women’s Studies with focus on women and girls in sport – University of Minnesota
  • Slava Merkepel
    • Member National Team of Ukraine
    • Junior World Competitor
    • Skated with Disney on Ice -1997-2004
    • Ukrainian National Champion
    • Specialists Diploma – Kharkov State Institute of Physical Training