Coaches

Kayla Hammond photo

Kayla Hammond

Operations Director and Advanced Director

Hi! My name is Kayla Hammond; I have always had a deep passion for coaching and working with students. I have been coaching with Southern Valley Skating Club since 2006. I am currently the Operations Director for Southern Valley and coach private and group lessons of all levels.  I love seeing the different potential in every skater and helping them see it in themselves. I like to push my students to reach their own personal goals all while having fun!

Private lessons coach – Learn to Skate and Advanced

Currently taking new private lesson students: YES

Heather Awender photo

Heather Awender

Learn to Skate USA Director and Coach

I have been skating since I was 5, which basically means I grew up in skates. From Jumps to spins and the occasional epic wipeout, I fell in love with everything skating has to offer—and never looked back. With over 14 years of coaching experience, I have worked with skaters of all ages, from wobbly first-timers to fierce competitors ready to slay at competitions. I believe skating should be equal parts of hard work and fun. My greatest coaching experience was a year spent living abroad coaching skaters of all levels in Osby, Sweden! Tests Passed – Gold Skating Skills, Silver Singles, Broze Ice Dance Tests Plus Fourteen step and Foxtrot

Private lessons coach – Advanced

Currently taking new private lesson students: YES

Katie Rauber photo

Katie Rauber

Assistant Learn to Skate USA Director and Coach

As one of the first members of Southern Valley Figure Skating Club, I have been active in skating for 40+ years in some capacity or another. I represented SVFSC for most of my competitive skating career and started my coaching career in the first apprenticeship program offered by SVFSC. This taught me the fundamentals of teaching that helped coach, guide and build a successful skating school in Brookings, SD, Huron, SD and Watertown, SD. I’ve also judged Leap N’ Compete competitions for SVFSC for several years. Skating, in all forms, is a rite of passage for so many people in the area and I am happy to be a small part of keeping the tradition alive by offering lessons to those who want to learn.

Private lessons coach – All Levels

Currently taking new private lesson students: YES

Bethany Rausch photo

Bethany Rausch

Camp Director

I began skating with SVFSC at the age of four and trained with the club for 14 years before transitioning into coaching. I have been a coach for the past six years and currently serve as SVFSC’s Camp Director. In this role, I organize and lead the camp program and teach both group and private lessons throughout the season.

I enjoy working with skaters who are motivated to learn and challenge themselves. It’s rewarding to watch students grow in confidence, refine their technique, and achieve new milestones on the ice. My goal as a coach is to create a positive, encouraging environment where skaters feel supported as they develop their skills and passion for sport.

Private lessons coach – Learn To Skate, Skating Skills

Currently taking new private lesson students: Yes

Cortney Mann photo

Cortney Mann

Dance Coach, Private Lesson Coach

Hi! My name is Cortney Mann. My lifelong passion for skating started when I was three years old. I started competing when I was five and continued until I was 18 years old. I achieved my Gold Dance in 8th grade as well as one International Dance. I passed my Silver Partnered Free Dance, Silver Free Skate as well as Silver Figures. Prior to coming back to skating I coached hockey for 15 years on top of many other sports over a 25+ year time frame. I spent my skating career with Red River Valley FSC and spent my summers living with billet families starting at the age of 8. I love being able to share my skating with others and push my students to achieve their goals.

Private lessons coach – Ice Dance

Currently taking new private lesson students: YES

Maegan Bellmore photo

Maegan Bellmore

LTS Hockey Coordinator and Private Lesson Coach

Hi! My name is Maegan Bellmore. I have been coaching with SVFSC for eight years! I am currently coaching Learn to Skate Hockey classes with the club!! I enjoy getting to know each skater and having a fun time developing new skills during lessons!

Private lessons coach – LTS Hockey of all ages

Currently taking new private lesson students: YES

Miah Schmidt photo

Miah Schmidt

Skating Skills and Dance Coach

Hi! My name is Miah Schmidt. I have loved skating since the moment I stepped on the ice at the age of 5. I am currently a 3rd year college student at NDSU campus. I started coaching as a sophomore in high school in the 2020-2021 season. I have coached all ranges of levels from LTS to high advanced. I am a triple gold medalist which includes moves in the field, ice dance, and solo free dance. I have passed four international dances on top of the gold dances, which will be the main thing I coach but I can coach pretty much anything. I still skate for myself as I have passed Intermediate Freeskate and am working on Novice. I have always loved working with kids and helping them achieve their goals, it’s always great to see how much they improve!

Private lessons coach – Advanced and Dance

Currently taking new private lesson students: YES

Madison Lien photo

Madison Lien

LTS Group and Private Lesson Coach

Hey! My name is Maddie Lien, I have been on the ice since I was 6 years old and haven’t been off it since. I grew up skating in Fergus Falls where I continued until I graduated high school. Currently I am at NDSU studying Agricultural Education with minors in Crop and Weed Sciences and Extension Education. I started my coaching journey with Southern Valley in the season of 2023 where I have provided both private and group lessons. I love being the biggest supporter for my skaters on the ice as they achieve so many amazing things.

Private lessons coach – Learn to Skate

Currently taking new private lesson students: No

Cynthia Klimek photo

Cynthia Klimek

LTS Group Coach, Private Lesson Coach

I have been a part of Southern Valley Figure Skating Club since a young age and have been coaching for 3 years. Skating has always remained one of my enjoyed hobbies, as well as working with children; I have spent many years working childcare. I am now a stay-at-home mom to my amazing little girl, and 3 wild dogs. I am excited to enjoy a fun year with all my skaters!

Private lessons coach – Learn to Skate through Basic 4

Currently taking new private lesson students: YES

Abby Bruechert photo

Abby Bruechert

LTS Group Coach, Private Lesson Coach

Hi! My name is Abby Bruechert. I am in my final year of nursing at NDSCS! I have been skating with the club since I was 5 and have been coaching for over 4 years! Being a coach has been one of my favorite things about skating!

Private lessons coach – Learn to Skate

Currently taking new private lesson students: YES

Autumn Benedict photo

Autumn Benedict

LTS Group Coach

Hi! My name is Autumn. I have been skating for 15 years and coaching group lessons for 6 years. I just finished cosmetology school at TSPA last year and work at Men’s Hair Co. in Fargo, ND. I have 2 younger sisters that are also skaters with SVFSC.

Private lessons coach – NO

Currently taking new private lesson students: NO

Laura Formaneck photo

Laura Formaneck

LTS Group and Private Lesson Coach

My name is Laura Formaneck. I started skating when I was 4 years old with my dad at Sterns Arena and joined SVFSC when I was in 5th grade (2002-2003). I skated with the club through the end of my first year in college (2010-2011, 9 years) and have been a contracted coach for SVFSC since 2020 when my oldest child started skating. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education (Birth- Grade 3) as well as an Endorsement to teach Elementary Education up to 8th grade in North Dakota. I have 14 years of experience working with children through the skating club, my studies, home life, and career. Being a coach for the club is what initially led me to my choice of degree, and I wouldn’t change it for the world; it’s not just a job, I enjoy what I do and look forward to it every day. I love to help all children, whether at school or the rink, learn new skills and accomplish their goals.

Private lessons coach – Learn to Skate

Currently taking new private lesson students: YES

Sarah Durytskyi photo

Sarah Durytskyi

LTS Group and Private Lesson Coach

My name is Sarah Durytskyi, I grew up loving the sport of Figure Skating. I started skating at 3 years old but did not have lessons until I was between 9-11 years old. Although my skating journey began later than some, my determination and passion for the sport proved useful as I was able to pass many levels in a short amount of time. I would have enjoyed furthering my skating career but chose different options as my focus turned to college. My passion for skating has stayed with me and I hope to encourage this love for the sport in other skaters. Figure Skating taught me a lot about character, discipline, grace, and what it means to be a team player while also encouraging individuality. I want to inspire skaters of all ages that they can set goals and achieve them no matter when or where they started their skating journey. Hard work pays off, and no matter how early or late it takes one to begin, it’s all about the mindset and how hard they are willing to push themselves and work to achieve their goals.

Private lessons coach – Learn to Skate

Currently taking new private lesson students: YES

Breanna Halquist photo

Breanna Halquist

LTS Group Coach

I discovered the enjoyment of figure skating as a child and skated through middle school before returning to the sport as a coach and skating mom. I enjoy helping young skaters build confidence, learn new skills, and have fun on the ice.

One of my greatest joys is sharing the rink with my daughters, who have fallen in love with skating too! When I’m not at the arena, I enjoy life on my family’s hobby farm and staying busy as a proud mom of four.

I strive to make every lesson a fun and positive experience!

Private Lessons Coach – NO

Currently taking new private lesson students: NO

Jaidyn Seelye photo

Jaidyn Seelye

LTS Group and Private Lessons

Hi, my name is Jaidyn! I have been a skater through SVFSC for 11 years and this is my 4th year coaching. I love seeing the improvement throughout the season with my skaters and love to watch the love for skating grow. My favorite part of the season is competitions and creating programs. I am so excited about this skating season!

Private lessons coach – Basic Skills or Low Freeskate

Currently taking new private lesson students: YES

Emma Klein photo

Emma Klein

Junior Coach

Hello, my name is Emma Klein, and I was previously a junior coach with SVFSC. I’m a senior at Wahpeton High School, and I have been skating with SVFSC for over six years.

Private lessons coach – Learn to Skate and Beginning Dance 

Currently taking new private lesson students: No

Jasmyn Benedict photo

Jasmyn Benedict

LTS Group

I’m a high school senior who has been with the club since I was 3. I love reading and working out in my free time. I plan on attending NDSU next fall for psychology. I’m very excited for this year!

Private lessons coach – Learn to Skate

Currently taking new private lesson students: No

Abbigael Krump photo

Abbigael Krump

Junior Coach

Private lessons coach – Learn To Skate

Currently taking new private lesson students: YES

Adelaide King photo

Adelaide King

Junior Coach

Hello, my name is Addie King! I have been figure skating since I was 7 years old, and I am very passionate about it. I’m a student at Wahpeton High School and I also do cross country and tennis, but skating will always be my favorite sport. I look forward to helping new skaters discover the love of skating and I can’t wait to watch their skills develop.

Private lessons coach – Learn To Skate

Currently taking new private lesson students: YES

Sophie Peterson photo

Sophie Peterson

Junior Coach

My name is Sophie Peterson and I have been skating at Southern Valley for fourteen years. I started skating when I was two and I have had a passion for it ever since I first stepped foot on the ice. I am currently working to pass my Pre-Sliver Singles test and my Pre-Gold Moves in the Field Test. I enjoy coming to skating to improve personally but, I also enjoy coming to skating to see others. To see others improve and to build positive relationships with everyone around me. Outside of skating I enjoy playing volleyball and I enjoy spending time with my friends and family.

Private lessons coach – Learn to Skate

Currently taking new private lesson students: YES

Sienna Oliphant photo

Sienna Oliphant

Junior Coach

Ava Berger photo

Ava Berger

Coach in Training

Tessa Snyder photo

Tessa Snyder

Coach in Training

Katrina Benedict photo

Katrina Benedict

Coach in Training

Contractors

Ginger Schillinger photo

Ginger Schillinger

Costume Coordinator

Amanda Crouse photo

Amanda Crouse

Bookkeeper