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!

Learn to Skate Group Lessons

Private lessons coach – Learn to Skate and Advanced through Gold

Currently taking new private lesson students: Yes

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

Learn to Skate Group Lessons

Private lessons coach – Learn to Skate and Advanced through Gold

Currently taking new private lesson students: Yes

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.

Learn to Skate Group Lessons

Private lessons coach – Learn to Skate and Advanced through Bronze

Currently taking new private lesson students: Yes

I began skating with SVFSC at the age of four and trained with the club for 14 years before transitioning into coaching. I have coached group and private lessons for the past seven years and currently serve as SVFSC’s Camp Director.

I enjoy working with skaters who are motivated to learn, grow, and challenge themselves. One of the most rewarding aspects of coaching is watching skaters gain confidence, strengthen their technique, and achieve new goals. My philosophy is to create a positive and supportive environment where skaters feel encouraged to develop their skills, build self-confidence, and foster a lifelong love of the sport.

Learn to Skate Group Lessons

Private lessons coach – Learn to Skate and Advanced through Pre-Silver

Currently taking new private lesson students: Yes

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.

Learn to Skate Group Lessons

Private lessons coach – Learn to Skate, Advanced through Gold and Ice Dance

Currently taking new private lesson students: YES

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!

Learn to Skate Group Lessons

Private lessons coach – Learn to Skate and Advanced Hockey

Currently taking new private lesson students: Yes

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 Skating Skills and Ice Dance

Currently taking new private lesson students: Yes

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!

Learn to Skate Group Lessons

Figure skating has been a part of my life since I was young, and it’s something I’m grateful to share with the next generation of skaters. Becoming a mom has made coaching even more meaningful to me, as I get to watch young skaters grow in confidence, develop new skills, and discover their own love for the sport. My goal is to create a fun, encouraging environment where every skater feels supported, celebrates their progress, and learns to believe in themselves both on and off the ice.

Learn to Skate Group Lessons

Private Lessons Coach-Learn to Skate

Currently taking new private lesson students: Yes

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.

Learn to Skate Group Lessons

Private lessons coach – Learn to Skate through Basic 6

Currently taking new private lesson students: Yes

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.

Learn to Skate Group Lessons

Private lessons coach – Learn to Skate and Advanced through Preliminary

Currently taking new private lesson students: Yes

I’m a Freshman in College who has been with the club since I was 3. I love reading and working out in my free
time. I am attending UND for psychology. I’m very excited for this year!

Learn to Skate Group Lessons

Private Lessons Coach- Learn to Skate through Advanced

Currently taking new private lesson students: Yes

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.

Learn to Skate Group Lessons

Private lessons coach – Learn to Skate and Advanced through Preliminary

Currently taking new private lesson students: Yes

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!

Learn to Skate Group Lessons

Private lessons coach – Learn to Skate

Currently taking new private lesson students: Yes

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.

Learn to Skate Group Lessons

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.

Learn to Skate Group Lessons

Private lessons coach – Learn to Skate and Advanced Skating Skills

Currently taking new private lesson students: Yes

Hello I am Abby Krump, I am a senior in high school at Breckenridge and have been skating since I was 5 years old this will be my 3rd year coaching.

Learn to Skate Group Lessons

Private lessons coach – Learn To Skate

Currently taking new private lesson students: Yes

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.

Learn to Skate Group Lessons

Private lessons coach – Learn To Skate

Currently taking new private lesson students: Yes

My name is Sienna Oliphant and I am a junior coach. This will be my second year coaching at SVFSC. 

Learn to Skate Group Lessons

Private Lessons Coach-Learn to Skate through Basic 6

Currently taking new private lesson students: Yes

I have been skating with Southern Valley Figure Skating Club since I was five years old, and skating has been a big part of my life ever since. I especially enjoy Free Skate and Showcase events and have had the opportunity to compete at Nationals for the past two years in multiple Showcase categories.

For the past year, I have been coaching group lessons as a Coach in Training. I really enjoy working with younger skaters and helping them learn new skills, build confidence, and have fun on the ice.

I am excited to continue coaching as a Junior Coach and to begin offering private lessons. I look forward to encouraging young skaters, helping them reach their goals, and sharing my love of skating with them. I hope I can help my skaters learn to love the sport as much as I do!

Learn to Skate Group Lessons

Private Lessons – Learn to Skate and Advanced Showcase

Taking New Students: Yes

Learn to Skate Group Lessons

Private Lessons-Learn to Skate

Taking New Students: Yes

Hi, my name is Katrina Benedict I am 16 years old and attend Wahpeton High School as a sophomore. I have been skating for 14 years, and this is my first-year coaching. My favorite part about skating is teaching me work ethic and meeting new people. I have two older sisters who also coach with SVFSC. I enjoy coaching and making kids smile. In my free time I enjoy playing volleyball and hanging out with friends and family. 

Learn to Skate Group Lessons