Angela Derochie: Champion Skater And Esteemed Coach Inspiring Excellence On And Off The Ice

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.

IMAGE: ANGELA DEROCHIE

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in coaching, and how did you get started?

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.

2. With 31 years of coaching experience, what are some of your most memorable moments or achievements?

• One memorable moment was with an older gentleman who was tentative and very scared while skating. During a lesson, he finally gathered the courage to lift one foot while gliding. When he put his foot back down, he started crying and said, “I can’t believe I actually did it. It took so long, and you were so patient and encouraging that you made me believe I could do it without falling and hurting myself!” That moment truly showed me the power of patience and encouragement.
• Another highlight was seeing my first skater complete every test, from pre-preliminary skills, freeskate, and dance all the way to gold level. Watching them navigate the emotional and physical ups and downs, focusing on their goals, and working hard to achieve this feat was incredibly rewarding.
• I also remember when my senior skater, Patrick Myzyk, landed his first triple axel and later skated clean programs to win nationals in Poland. Watching a skater who has committed fully to their training achieve their goals and win nationals fills you with pride.
• Owning my own skating school allowed me to create programs to train young coaches and develop comprehensive on- and off-ice programs for skaters. I designed mental training, off-ice spinner and jump sessions, strength and flexibility training, and Pilates—all to help skaters become their best selves. It was incredibly fulfilling to see 10 skaters from our rink qualify for nationals, using mental training techniques to boost their confidence and perform at their best.

3. How has being a former National Jr. & Sr. Canadian Champion influenced your coaching style?

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.

4. What’s your coaching philosophy for creating a positive and inclusive environment for skaters?

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.

5. What are some challenges you’ve faced as a coach, and how do you approach overcoming them?

• Entitlement and Work Ethic: One of the biggest challenges today is working with skaters who want quick results without putting in the effort. Often, I sit down with skaters and their parents to have a positive discussion about goals and the dedication required to achieve them. We create a clear plan, and sometimes, we incorporate mental coaching to help skaters develop resilience and visualize success.
• Injury Prevention and Warm-up: Many injuries stem from improper warm-ups. I design a warm-up plan with skaters and emphasize its importance, discussing this with parents, as they play a role in getting skaters to the rink on time. I also collaborate with specialists such as chiropractors, osteopaths, and sports doctors to help skaters maintain their bodies, preventing injuries before they occur.
• Family Dynamics with Split Parenting: For skaters with split parenting, I usually create a contract that involves the skater, both sets of parents, and myself to ensure that everyone is aligned and supportive of the skater’s goals.

6. How do you adjust your coaching methods for different skill levels, from grassroots to international competitors?

• Young Skaters (2–4 years old): I use playful methods, as young skaters learn quickly through games, prizes, and high-energy encouragement.
• Middle Age Skaters: These skaters are often motivated by goals and small rewards. They respond well to structured plans and appreciate setting small, achievable objectives.
• Teenagers: Teen skaters require more emotional support. Here, I focus on balancing technical training with an understanding of their individual emotional needs.
• National and International Competitors: These athletes tend to be more mature, even if young, and require a mix of praise, constructive criticism, and comprehensive support. At this level, I use advanced motivational guidance and provide mental and emotional training to help them handle stress and perfectionism.

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.

7. What advice would you give to aspiring skaters or young coaches looking to make their mark in the sport?

• Work Hard and Believe: With hard work, anything is possible.
• Ask for Help When Needed: For example, if nervousness becomes a barrier, don’t hesitate to seek help from a mental trainer.
• Be Patient and Stay Focused: Improvement rates vary; stick to the goals and plan you and your coach set. Believe in yourself, stay consistent, and success will follow.

IMAGE: ANGELA DEROCHIE

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