Vernon Skating Club Coaching Staff
www.vernonskatingclub.ca
Since her first wobbly steps on the ice at the age of 4 under the guidance of her coach and mother, Marilyn Prentice, she immediately fell in love with the sport. Dedicating many years to her passion, Kelly became the first skater of the Vernon Figure Skating Club to attain Triple Gold Status in Figures, Freeskate and Dance. As an amateur she competed in the following events: Novice Ladies, Pairs, Precision Team skating, Fours and Dance. She began her coaching career in Revelstoke, and later moved to Castlegar and Quesnel. In 1991 she returned to her hometown, to continue her coaching career in the same club that her mother had started in 1950.
Now with 29 years coaching experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge in all aspects of skating and the ability to guide, develop and produce quality skaters. Many of Kelly’s former students have achieved significant accomplishments, including; gold level status, careers in coaching, competitive skating, ice shows, hockey, speedskating and ringette. Her goal; to keep a positive, fun environment for all skaters and to promote a life long love “to skate” For Kelly, skating isn’t about the number of medals you win or who you beat along the way but loving what you do and enjoying everything it has to offer.
Kelly is a Certified Level 2 with partial Level 3 NCCP Coach. In addition to being a club coach she is also the Director of Recreational Programs heading up all the CanSkate Programs.
Kelly Kirby
Heather Stranks
I have been a member of the Vernon Figure Skating Club since the age of 5. Most of my coaching years have been with the Vernon Figure Skating Club.
I am certified level 2 and have technical level 3. Throughout my 29 years of coaching, I have had several skaters advance to both Pacific Skate and the B.C. championships, one of which became B.C.’s Pre-Novice men’s champion. I am very proud to have had many skaters complete their triple and quadruple gold tests and some who have gone on to teach or become judges.
For me, the best part of coaching skating has been helping skaters to achieve their goals, no matter how big or how small. It is seeing new skaters develop their own passion for figure skating that keeps the love for the sport alive for me as well.
In my life outside the rink, I enjoy spending time with my three boys or ballroom dancing with my husband, skiing or painting.
In addition to coaching, I am also the Director of Skating for the Vernon Figure Skating Club.
