Coach Angela Derochie’s coaching journey has had an undeniable impact on skaters at all levels. She has trained athletes who have competed at prestigious national and international events, with remarkable results. Angela coached Polish National Champion Patrick Myzyk, as well as Canadian National Junior and Senior Men’s competitor, who represented Poland at six international competitions under her guidance. She also mentored Senior Canadian National Ladies competitor Michelle Lifshits, who went on to win the Israeli national championship and competed in four international events with Angela’s support.
Another standout skater, Stephanie Walmsley, placed in the top 7 at the Canadian Senior Ladies Championships and competed internationally under Angela’s guidance, further showcasing the coach’s ability to bring out the best in her athletes. Angela’s coaching has also helped numerous male and female skaters progress to the Canadian National Championships at pre-novice, novice, junior, and senior levels.
Since relocating to Miami, Angela has continued to inspire and develop skaters from the grassroots level, building up athletes with diverse skill sets and helping them achieve outstanding results. Over the past two and a half years, five of her skaters have earned the opportunity to compete in national qualifying events, though they didn’t advance to nationals this season. During the spring and summer of 2023, four of Angela’s skaters medaled at the State Games, including many clients who took the State Games title. Angela’s efforts at out-of-state competitions were equally impressive, with her skaters bringing home ten medals, six of which were gold, from an Atlanta event. She also led a team to North Carolina, where they earned an impressive fourteen medals, seven of them gold.
A recent skater under Angela’s coaching, who began with only basic skating skills, has undergone a remarkable transformation, quickly progressing to compete in the National Qualifying Series—a testament to Angela’s coaching expertise, patience, and ability to inspire self-belief. Angela fosters a collaborative and positive environment at Kendall Ice Arena, where skaters celebrate each other’s successes and support one another’s growth, not just as athletes, but as individuals.
Under Angela’s mentorship, this skater won five competitions in 2023 and consistently placed on the podium at events across multiple states. The highlight of their season was a victory at the Florida State Games, which propelled them into the National Qualifying Series—a milestone that initially seemed out of reach due to the skater’s age. Angela’s faith in her athlete’s potential helped them break through self-doubt, leading to a newfound sense of confidence and determination.
Coach Angela’s influence goes beyond teaching technical skills; she imparts life lessons in discipline, resilience, and self-belief that transcend the rink. Her positive impact on her skaters’ personal growth, combined with her technical expertise, has made her an invaluable asset to the skating community. Angela’s mentorship is a true blessing, making a lasting difference in the lives of her athletes and leaving an inspiring legacy in the world of figure skating.