Angela Derochie is a highly accomplished National and International certified skating coach with over 31 years of experience, establishing her as a true authority in the sport. A former National Junior and Senior Canadian Champion and International Medalist, Angela’s coaching expertise spans all skill levels, from grassroots to elite athletes.
Her Quadruple Gold achievements in Dance, Figures, Free Skate, and Interpretive underscore her dedication and versatility. Certified at NCCP Level 4 and as a PowerSkate coach, Angela’s philosophy emphasizes an inclusive, supportive environment, nurturing both technical skills and life skills that extend beyond the rink.
As an assessor and technical specialist, Angela has successfully guided skaters to triumph in Sectional, Provincial, National, and International competitions, embodying her unwavering commitment to athlete success. We thank Angela for sharing her experiences and insights with our readers, inspiring skaters and coaches alike to pursue excellence in the sport.
I have a deep love for skating and a huge passion for the sport. I also love working with kids and helping people of all ages develop new skills. When I was younger, my love for skating inspired me to give back to the community, so I became a judge—a volunteer role I took seriously. After passing the exams, I began judging, but as time went on, I felt there was still a missing connection.
A few years later, the opportunity opened up for amateur skaters to coach and be compensated for it. Realizing this would allow me to work more closely with skaters, I decided to pursue coaching full-time and stepped away from judging, as we couldn’t do both at the time. Coaching brought a renewed sense of purpose.
It allowed me to work in my passion and help people from all backgrounds develop their skills. I loved the challenge of creating exercises and techniques that could help skaters reach their goals. Whether it was seeing someone learn to stop or stand confidently on the ice for the first time or watching a higher-level skater land a new triple jump, each achievement was just as exciting.
The greatest reward for me is seeing the joy on their faces when they master a new skill—it’s a moment that fills me with pride. Later, when I could serve as a technical specialist on the judging panel while continuing to coach, I was thrilled. This role lets me give back to the sport I love and help skaters of all ages find joy and purpose in skating, just as I did.
Traveling the world and training with some of the best coaches has greatly shaped how I approach coaching. I’ve had the privilege of attending seminars and lessons with top coaches from Russia, the U.S., Germany, Japan, and, of course, Canada.
This exposure gave me valuable insights into both on-ice and off-ice exercises and taught me to understand each skater’s unique learning style. For example, some skaters learn best by watching (which is now even easier with tools like Dartfish for video analysis), others by listening, and some by feeling the correct positions through repeated exercises.
Competing as a national champion and on the international stage has also given me a deep understanding of the sacrifices it takes to reach the top—the financial commitment, the intense work ethic, and the pressure of representing your country. I know what it’s like to feel the weight of expectations, working to make yourself, your family, your club, your town, and your country proud.
I believe everyone is welcome and can develop a love and respect for both the sport and one another through skating. I also emphasize the importance of sportsmanship, recognizing that everyone brings unique strengths and areas for improvement.
My approach encourages skaters to support one another, motivating each other with applause for successes and kind words during challenging moments—because we all have days when we could use extra encouragement.
Open and honest communication is essential for fostering a positive and inclusive environment. I also recognize that as a coach, I must continually grow and refine my own skills to provide the best personalized support possible.
For grassroots skaters, the focus is on foundational skills in a fun way to ensure a solid base for future growth. In contrast, international skaters benefit from highly tailored, motivational, and mental training to support their high performance and perfectionist tendencies.
If you are interested in even more entertainment-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels, then we have a lot to choose from.
Choosing between forex and stock trading can often be a difficult decision for most investors…
In today's fast-paced digital environment, contact centers have become integral to providing exceptional customer service…
As the demand for higher resolution and versatility grows in professional video production, 4K PTZ…
Makeup is a powerful tool that can enhance your natural beauty, boost your confidence, and…
For gaming laptop users, power is everything. Whether you're deep in a late-night session of…
Regardless of your organization’s size, phishing poses a significant threat to daily operations and overall…