ST. PETER — In what those involved describe as a “big deal,” the Southern Minnesota Skating Club was recently approved for what’s called full-club status from governing body United States Figure Skating.
As such, the 3-year-old St. Peter nonprofit is awarded voting privileges and has the opportunity to contribute “our voice in the new policies, which is really exciting,” said Natalie Casper, the club’s board president.
“For me, it’s really just a validation of all the hard work that the board, the coaches and the volunteers have put into building the club and community,” said Josh Brown, a Southern Minnesota Skating Club skater and also a parent of a skater. “And it’s a reflection of the seriousness of the dedication and commitment of the skaters.”
The club got its start in 2023, and now has 14 coaches and 82 members. Those include adults and youth. “But we expect that number to grow over the next couple of months,” Casper said.
Its mission is to support skaters of all ages and interests — including hockey and figure skaters — by providing unique opportunities so they can grow on and off the ice.
Members primarily skate at Gustavus Adolphus College’s Lund Arena in St. Peter, but they also use the ice at The Pond on Madison and All Seasons Arena, which are both in Mankato.
When the club was launched, organizers chose to be a part of U.S. Figure Skating and were initially granted introductory status, then provisional status and now full-club status.
“It’s a big deal because it’s an official recognition from U.S. Figure Skating of what we already know: That in just three years, we have created a growing community of skaters and coaches who all support each other both on and off the ice,” said Becky Glaser, a skater parent and club secretary.
When the club initially formed, the goal was to provide opportunities for skaters and to make sure they felt they were supported and had the chance to grow and experience high-level instruction, Casper said. Notably, members have worked with Olympians, international coaches and Disney on Ice performers during the last three years.
“That has been our beacon, that is the target,” Casper said. “It’s what we’re working toward.”
Getting full-club status is validating, she said. “We’re on the right track. We’ll continue to move forward and we look forward to serving our community and to grow our community.”
“My daughter’s participation with SMSC has been unique and formative,” Shannon Willaert said. “Not only has SMSC helped her develop skills on the ice, but it has also strengthened her creativity, leadership and collaboration skills. The positivity and encouragement on and off the ice fuels her passion for the sport.”
Being awarded full-club status is “super exciting,” said Gabi Rolloff, a club coach. “It shows how much growth we’ve had over the last three years, and because this status was determined by growth, it shows how many skaters we have impacted on a weekly basis.”
The club holds at least three events a year, with the next one Aug. 10 at The Pond on Madison. It’s called Battle of the Blades and is held in partnership with the Mankato West High School boys hockey team.
“Our skaters and their hockey skaters are teaching each other tricks of the trades,” Casper said.