Hi, I'm Coach Sami.

Hi! My name is Sami, and I've been skating for 17 years. While I've always loved skating and competing, I found my true passion in teaching and helping others discover what makes skating so special.

As a coach, I believe in meeting each student where they are and adapting my teaching style to their individual goals, learning style, and experience. Whether you're stepping on the ice for the first time or working toward a specific skill, my goal is to make every lesson productive, encouraging, and fun.

I'm currently based at Extreme Ice Center in Charlotte, NC. In addition to teaching private lessons, I coach across several programs, including Learn to Skate, synchronized skating, Coffee Club adult group lessons, and Special Olympics. I also lead the Learn to Skate instructor training program, helping new instructors develop the skills and confidence they need to become great coaches.

I'm incredibly passionate about both teaching and skating, and I'd love the opportunity to work with you and help you reach your goals on the ice!

Work With Me

Coaching Philosophy

I believe the best coaching starts with listening. Every skater comes to the ice with different experiences, goals, strengths, and challenges, so I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I build each lesson around the individual skater, combining clear instruction with plenty of opportunities to practice, ask questions, and figure things out for themselves.

My goal is to create an environment where skaters feel comfortable challenging themselves, making mistakes, and celebrating progress. I want every student to leave a lesson feeling like they learned something new and are excited to come back to the ice.

Ages & Skill Levels

I work with skaters of all ages and experience levels, from those stepping onto the ice for the first time to more experienced skaters looking to refine their technique. I have experience coaching children, teenagers, and adults across Learn to Skate, recreational skating, synchronized skating, Special Olympics, and individual private lessons.

No matter where you are starting, you don't need to already be "good" at skating to work with me. We start where you are and build from there.

Confidence & Fundamentals

Strong skating starts with strong fundamentals. I focus on developing the basics that make everything else easier, including balance, edges, turns, power, body positioning, and control.

At the same time, I believe confidence is a skill that needs to be developed too. Skating can be intimidating, especially when learning something new or struggling with a skill. I want my students to feel comfortable making mistakes and trying again. My goal is not just to teach you how to execute a skill, but to help you understand it and feel confident doing it.

Individualized Development

Every skater has different goals, so every lesson looks a little different. Some students may want to work on skating skills and edges, while others may be focused on jumps, spins, hockey fundamentals, or simply becoming more comfortable on the ice.

I adjust lessons based on what each skater needs that day while keeping their bigger goals in mind. We'll identify what is working, where there is room to improve, and what steps will help you get there. Whether you're working toward a specific skill or simply want to become a stronger skater, your lessons are built around you.