WHO WE ARE
OUR BOARD
Southern Minnesota Skating Club is a non-profit organization that exists to create a supportive skating community. We strive to provide, and continuously foster, a positive and inclusive environment on and off the ice while ensuring opportunities to all types of skaters
and skating enthusiasts.
We're glad you're here.
President:
Vice President:
Treasurer:
Secretary:
Member at Large:
Natalie Casper
Sharon Schneller
Todd King
Becky Glaser
Darcey Nelson
REGISTRATION
FALL REGISTRATION:
The Pond and Gustavus Campus
Program dates are scheduled September 3rd - May 31st.
*Gustavus Programming currently scheduled through December 15th. Winter/Spring programming at GAC will be announced in December.
Register for the 12 week term that works best for you and your family. Specific term dates are noted in the registration form.
If you have any questions, let us know!
somnskatingclub@gmail.com
OUR COACHES
Lydia DeBoer
Lydia DeBoer is a USFS Gold Medalist in Moves In the Field and Solo Free Dance, and has also passed Novice Freeskate, as well as ISI Freestyle 7. Lydia is currently on the MSU Maverick Hockey Cheer Team while majoring in nursing. Skating is Lydia's happy place and she is excited to share her knowledge with other skaters. Lydia enjoys coaching and works with SMSC groups and individuals at all levels.
Isabelle Desens
Isabelle (Belle) Desens is a USFS Gold Medalist in Moves In The Field and Solo Free Dance. Belle enjoys performing on the ice and was a National Showcase champion in 2021. Belle has been an active member of the American Ice Theatre (Minneapolis Chapter) since 2022, and she is currently a member of AIT professional company. Belle coaches groups and individuals at all levels and specializes in edge work and choreography.
Ryan Casper
Ryan Casper has skated with hockey teams in North Dakota and Minnesota, including the Minnesota Ice Hawks junior team, the U of M-Crookston’s DII Men’s championship team, and three years with Gustavus Adolphus Men’s hockey team. In his downtime, Ryan enjoys spending time with his wife and 4 children both on and off the ice. Ryan has coached high school hockey and he now coaches with the Mankato Area Hockey Association and groups and individuals in SMSC’s Learn to Skate and LTS Hockey programs.
Cecelia Casper
Cecelia Casper is a competitive figure skater with a passion for Showcase performing, appearing at the National Showcase competition in 2021 and 2022. She has passed Pre-Silver Singles (Intermediate Freeskate), Silver Skating Skills (Novice Moves), and the Bronze Ice Dance level. Off the ice, Cecelia likes to read and spend time with family. Cecelia coaches in our Learn to Skate Program, both groups and individuals.
Nicole Lecy
Nicole Lecy began her coaching career in 2002 and has coached with both ISI and USFS programs. Her coaching experience has guided skaters at all levels, beginner through Gold level testing, including national champions. When she’s not coaching, Nicole works as an art teacher and enjoys spending down time with her family. Nicole coaches groups and individuals at all levels.
Allee Johnson
Allee Johnson is a competitive figure skater and 2023 Excel Intermediate National Champion. She began coaching in 2022 and has discovered a newfound love for skating while teaching others about something she is so passionate about. Allee has passed her Silver Skating Skills (Novice Moves) test as well as her Pre-Silver Singles (Intermediate Freeskate) test. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her family and her goats. Allee coaches groups and individuals in our Learn to Skate program.
Julia Schneller
Julia Schneller is a passionate coach with a background in ballet and dance education from the Joffrey Ballet School in New York, NY and the Rock School in Philadelphia, PA. Julia has achieved Pre-Silver Moves and Bronze Freestyle levels. Her nurturing approach and love for working with young skaters inspires skaters of all ages to discover the joy of skating. Julia coaches groups and individuals.
Julie Van Amber
Julie Van Amber’s extensive coaching career includes the Dorothy Hamill Skating Center/Ice Chalet, the New Ulm Figure Skating Club, the Diamond Skating Circle, and Southern Minnesota Skating Club. She has been a Professional Skaters Association member since 2005. Julie is an ISI Gold level judge. Julie coaches all levels in both group and individual settings.
Maddy Nicholson
Maddy Nicholson is currently working on her Pre-Silver Singles (Intermediate Freeskate) and Silver Skating Skills (Novice Moves). Maddy appreciates the lessons skating has provided in facing challenges and setting goals. She enjoys coaching kids and feels privileged to have the opportunity to model the value of hard work and pushing oneself to accomplish the next hard thing. Maddy coaches in our Learn to Skate program.
Sharon Schneller
Sharon Schneller has been skating for decades and has introduced generations of her family to the love of skating. Sharon enjoys inspiring our littlest skaters in our Learn to Skate program, both groups and individuals. Aside from coaching, Sharon spends her time on the ice working on her own skating goals, and enjoys practicing ice dance. Off ice, Sharon enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and connecting with members of the community.
Robin Van Amber
Robin Van Amber has been skating for as long as they can remember—their first steps were taken on the ice! Robin is a two-time Minnesota State champion, first in 2016 in the Open Pre-Juvenile category, and then in 2017 in the Open Juvenile category. Robin is also a member of the American Ice Theatre Professional Company (Minneapolis chapter). When not on the ice, Robin can be found working on a degree from Rasmussen College in Early Childhood Education and spending time with their 8 pets. Robin coaches in our Learn to Skate program, both groups and individuals.
Brittany Nusser
With a decade of figure skating experience, Brittany Nusser has achieved significant milestones, including the completion of ISI Basic Skills and passing the USFS Novice Moves in the Field and Intermediate Freeskate tests. She has also participated in several years of Synchronized Skating. Brittany began her coaching career in 2004 as an ISI Basic Skills Instructor. By 2008, she expanded her role to become a Learn to Skate group instructor and a USFS private coach, working with skaters from beginners to those preparing for Silver tests. Brittany’s coaching repertoire includes individual, small group, large group, choreography, ice shows, and power classes. Her favorite aspect of coaching is celebrating the accomplishments of skaters on and off the ice and witnessing the “A-ha!” moments when they master new skills.
Gabi Rolloff
Gabi has been a dedicated figure skating coach since 2018, bringing her expertise and passion to the ice for both ISI (Ice Sports Industry) and USFS (United States Figure Skating) programs. She works with skaters here at Southern Minnesota Skating Club, New Ulm Figure Skating Club and Windom Figure Skating Club contributing to the growth of the sport in these communities. Gabi is committed to inspiring her students, by sharing her knowledge and passion for skating. Off the ice, she can be found enjoying time with her family.​
Sophie Privette
Sophie Privette is a member of the MSU Maverick Hockey Cheer team and is majoring in Exercise Science on a pre-OT track. Sophie has experience in synchronized skating, and was on her high school’s varsity figure skating team. Sophie is a USFSA Gold Medalist in Moves In The Field, has passed Freeskate up to Novice, and is currently working towards her Gold Medal in Solo Free Dance. Sophie offers private lessons and enjoys coaching choreography and Skating Skills (Moves in the Field).
MEMBERSHIP
Not all memberships are created equal and SMSC wants to be sure you and your skater have the memberships that are right for you. Please reference our "Membership Information" flyer below for insight into the options available to you. If you have any questions, let us know!
*** Southern Minnesota Skating Club is proud to be affiliated with United States Figure Skating, Aspire, and Learn to Skate USA. We are excited to welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, and skating experiences to join us as club members and to participate in our programs. ***
