“If I can start speedskating at 32, so can you!” said Mrs. Shannon Holmes, Notre Dame’s English teacher.
Holmes figure-skated as a kid and has continued her love for ice sports into her adult life.
She has been coaching a mix of figure skating, hockey and speed skating for over 30 years. “I love all of them, but I think I’m the best at coaching hockey,” she said.
Holmes continues to coach NDA’s hockey team once a week, in the mornings. She no longer teaches figure skating but is more focused on hockey and speed skating.
Holmes founded, coached and has managed the Cornerstone Speed Skating Club for the last 24 years. At one point, the club had 40 members and would meet three times a week with the weekends filled with meets and competitions.
“We had one national champion for her age class, and many Olympians have passed through our club,” she said. Jordan Stolz, who recently won gold in the men’s 500m and 1000m Olympic speed skating, has visited and skied with the club.
Her club hosted five national meets that helped decide world teams for the Olympics. “I know about half of the Olympic short track and long track for speed skating,” she added.
The speed skating community is small but slowly growing. Holmes recalled that when her daughters were competing, they would travel as far as Utah for competitions.
Holmes explained that the small, tight-knit community meant you knew almost everyone they competed against.
Over time, the club has dwindled to 12 members with only one practice a week, but there are hopes to rebuild.
The club hosts a promotion where the first class is free, and all equipment is provided. If they decide to join the club, they move into a low-commitment program.
The last step is the full-season commitment. “This allows us to ease people into it without a huge financial commitment or taking up all their time.” Holmes added.
Being able to help her young students set goals and learn important life skills is what keeps Holmes passionate about coaching.
“Speed skating is perfect for fulfilling your own goals on your own terms, whether it’s for fitness, starting a new hobby or improving your times.” Holmes said.
For those interested in this sport, Holmes highly encourages beginners of any age to give it a try.
