Join us in supporting the growth of figure skating across Charles, St. Mary’s, Calvert, and Prince George’s counties! Your sponsorship helps FSCSM provide top-notch training, participate in events, and build a vibrant skating community
As a sponsor, your business will enjoy prime recognition through logo placements, event mentions, and more—all tailored to your goals It’s a great way to show your commitment to local sports and connect with our passionate community.
Ready to partner with us? Contact fscsm@fscsm.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and make an impact today!
ANOTEFROMFSCSM
Spring is in the air, and we ’ re excited to bring you another issue of the FSCSM Newsletter! This edition is packed with important updates, exciting features, and ways to get involved
We’re bringing back Skater Spotlight to highlight the hard work of our skaters and introducing Coach’s Connection, where you’ll get to know our amazing coaches starting with Coach Kaylynn Boswell, Capital Clubhouse’s Skating Director.
Our skaters have been making great strides in both competition and testing, and we ’ re celebrating their achievements in FSCSM Skaters Shine. You’ll also find key club updates and reminders in FSCSM Fast Track and details on upcoming events in Mark Your Calendar.
Looking ahead, your participation matters! Elections are coming up, and this issue includes a summary of board positions consider getting involved and making your voice heard. We’re also preparing for strategic planning meetings, and your input will help shape FSCSM’s future
Finally, don’t forget about membership renewal, volunteer opportunities (including the Spring Ice Show), and a chance to grab your FSCSM club jacket with a bulk order discount.
If you aren’t already receiving our newsletter in your inbox, we invite you to subscribe to stay informed about FSCSM news and events.
We also welcome your feedback anytime! If you have suggestions, ideas, or comments, please share them with us through our feedback form
Thank you for being part of FSCSM we’ll see you on the ice!
FSCSM FAST TRACK
�� Next Club Meeting – March 23
Join us at Capital Clubhouse from 4:20 - 4:50 p m
We’ll discuss the Spring Ice Show and other upcoming events.
�� Club Jackets – Order by April 15
Take advantage of our bulk order discount! To be included, email the club with your size and name customization by April 15
�� Help Shape FSCSM’s Future
We’re gathering input for our 3-5 year strategic plan. Look out for in-person and online surveys to share your thoughts
�� Holiday Show Photos Are Available
Relive the magic of the December Holiday show! Photos from the event are available to view and purchase.
�� Club Elections Coming Soon
Elections will take place before the next quarterly newsletter. This issue provides a breakdown of board positions and details on how you can get involved
�� Spring Show – June 6-8
The Capital Clubhouse Spring Ice Show is set for June! We’ll discuss participation details at the next club meeting. Join us to learn more or register to participate in the show here.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Stay informed about FSCSM events and deadlines, and upcoming competitions
March 2025
3/22: Registration deadline for FSCSM Test Session (April 5)
3/23: FSCSM General Club Meeting @ Capital Clubhouse, 4:20 - 4:50 p m
3/30: 2025 Spring Fling @ Gardens Ice House
April 2025
4/5: FSCSM Test Session @ Capital Clubhouse, 12:50 - 4:50 p m
4/15: Club jacket bulk order deadline 4/27 (TBC): FSCSM General Club Meeting @ Capital Clubhouse, 4:20 - 4:50 p.m.
May 2025
5/11 (TBC): FSCSM General Club Meeting @ Capital Clubhouse, 4:20 - 4:50 p.m.
5/17: Spring Splash Basic Skills USA Competition @ Richmond Ice Zone
5/30 - 6/1: Cardinal Classic @ Prince William Ice Center
June 2025
6/1: 2025 Pre-Summer Challenge @ Gardens Ice House
6/6 - 6/8: 2025 Spring Ice Show @ Capital Clubhouse
6/15 (TBC): FSCSM General Club Meeting @ Capital Clubhouse, 4:20 - 4:50 p m
SKATER SPOTLIGHT: GLIDING INTO THE SPOTLIGHT WITH DEJA H!
Meet Deja H, a 13-year-old skater and a proud member of the Figure Skating Club of Southern Maryland! Deja first stepped onto the ice at just four years old, taking Learn to Skate classes at Capital Clubhouse After a break due to the pandemic and exploring other activities, she returned to skating at age 12 and has made incredible progress in just nine months advancing from Basic 4 to Free Skate 1! Let’s get to know more about her journey on and off the ice!
From First Steps to Big Dreams
Hi, my name is Deja! I was first introduced to skating by a friend at three years old, and then I started watching figure skating competitions and the Winter Olympics. When I was four, I decided to give it a try, and I’ve been passionate about it ever since! Outside of skating, I am also a member of my middle school’s cheerleading team and have experience in ballet and gymnastics.
What I love most about ice skating is the chance to meet people of all ages and backgrounds. Skating gives me a sense of freedom as I glide across the ice, allowing me to express myself in a creative way I enjoy the individuality of the sport but also love the team aspect that comes with it
Memorable Moments and Milestones
One of my favorite skating memories is participating in the 2024 Holiday Show. It was so nice to see skaters of all ages come together, dressed up and doing their part to put on such a wonderful show.
My biggest accomplishment so far has been returning to the ice in May 2024 after a seven-year break. I started back at Basic 4 and, in just nine months, advanced to Free Skate 1! Right now, I am working on improving my jumps, including the Salchow, Waltz jump, and toe loop. I’m also focusing on centering my scratch spin and improving my footwork and performance movements.
SKATER SPOTLIGHT (CONT’D)
Goals, Inspirations, and Favorite Moves
Short-term goals: Make new friends, continue having fun, and master the skills at my current level and beyond
Long-term goals: Compete in figure skating competitions and see where that path leads. Ultimately, I hope to give back by teaching others
Favorite skating move: The Scratch Spin it’s so elegant, and I love the challenge of increasing my speed and rotations.
Favorite skater: Alexandra Trusova I love her ambition, drive, and powerful presence on the ice.
Most inspiring skater: Yuzuru Hanyu his resilience, unique style, and determination to improve, even through injuries, truly inspire me.
Beyond the Rink & Advice for New Skaters
When I’m not skating, I enjoy drawing, dancing, listening to music, traveling, and spending time with my family, friends, and my sweet Yorkie, Lucy!
To new skaters: Don’t compare yourself to others everyone learns in their own way and at their own pace Have fun, don’t put too much pressure on yourself, and never give up Shoot for the moon, because even if you fall, you’ll still land on a cloud! Wishing you all the best on your skating journey!
Congratulations to Deja for her outstanding dedication and accomplishments on the ice! We look forward to following your journey as you continue to reach new milestones. Stay tuned for our next Skater Spotlight, where we’ll highlight another talented member of our FSCSM family!
COACH’S CONNECTION: MEET COACH KAYLYNN BOSWELL
Welcome to the first edition of Coach’s Connection, where we spotlight the incredible coaches who help shape and inspire our skaters. Kicking off this new feature is Coach Kaylynn Boswell, the Skating Director at Capital Clubhouse and an FSCSM coach with seven years of experience. She brings passion, energy, and a love for choreography to the ice. From her own skating journey to her coaching philosophy, let’s get to know Coach Kaylynn in her own words!
Coaching & Skating Background
�� How did you get into figure skating, and what inspired you to become a coach?
�� I started skating when I was 11 years old on a random weeknight I had tried many different activities dance, basketball, tennis, band and next I wanted to try volleyball because my friends were doing it, but I missed the sign-ups. When my mom and I were looking for another activity for me, she mentioned figure skating, and I said, “I could try that.” I never looked back!
�� How long have you been coaching, and what levels or disciplines do you specialize in?
�� I’ve been coaching for about seven years. Before then, I was a volunteer coach’s assistant Now, I love coaching jumps, spins, and competition prep for skaters at most levels.
�� What’s your favorite skating memory—either from your own journey or as a coach?
�� One of my first memories in skating was during my very first Learn to Skate class I was nervous about falling and being in a class with younger kids. My coach asked, “Are you scared to fall?” When I said yes, she said, “Well, then let’s fall together.” She became my coach up until I went to college That mindset stuck with me and has shaped how I coach today. A close second would be when I landed my Axel for the first time and when I landed it in a competition.
COACH’S CONNECTION (CONT’D)
Coaching Philosophy & Approach
�� How would you describe your coaching style?
�� Active and passionate! I want my students to not only achieve their goals but also develop a love for skating that stays with them beyond their time with me.
�� What’s your favorite element to teach?
�� Choreography and movement! Skating allows you to be both graceful and strong, and I love creating artistic programs that showcase a skater’s personality and style while also having fun
�� What advice do you give skaters struggling with a new skill?
�� It’s okay to step away and come back to it Progress isn’t always linear you’ll have highs and lows. Sometimes, going back to basics is exactly what you need. My coach always told me, “Rome wasn’t built in a day ”
�� What’s one thing you wish all skaters knew about training and improvement?
�� If you have big goals, you have to train for them! This is not a sport that you can spend one day of practice a week on and expect to see results. Practicing even when you can't get to the ice with off-ice jumps, stretching, or even putting on your favorite song and coming up with choreography in your bedroom makes the difference
Advice for Skaters & Parents
�� What are your top tips for first-time competitors or test takers?
�� You already have the skills, or you wouldn’t be testing or competing! The biggest challenge is overcoming nerves Lean on your support system and set personal goals instead of just focusing on the first-place medal.
�� How can parents best support their skater’s development?
�� Work with the coach! A strong parent-coach relationship is key. Even if it looks like your skater is practicing the same skill repeatedly, trust that there’s a plan behind it
�� What makes FSCSM special as a skating community?
�� The support between skaters has always made FSCSM special! Because so many of our skaters train together at the Clubhouse, it creates a strong sense of community both on and off the ice. Watching them cheer each other on at competitions is one of my favorite parts of coaching just like it was one of my favorite parts when I was a skater myself
COACH’S CONNECTION (CONT’D)
Fun & Personal
�� What are some of your hobbies outside of skating?
�� I love reading it gives me the same feeling as skating, where all the outside noise fades away and I can be fully in the moment
�� Fun fact: What’s something most people don’t know about you?
�� I have a Golden Retriever named Pax who is my absolute fur child! He even stops by the rink sometimes to say hi.
Thank you, Coach Kaylynn, for sharing your insights and passion for coaching with us!
We’re excited to see how your guidance continues to shape the next generation of skaters Be sure to check back for our next Coach’s Connection, where we’ll introduce another inspiring coach from the FSCSM team!
FSCSM SKATERS SHINE
Congratulations to our FSCSM skaters on their outstanding accomplishments! At the Gardens Competitive Series 2025 January Winter Open, our skaters’ hard work and dedication propelled FSCSM into first place in the Team Trophy standings with an impressive 346 points!
The Gardens Competitive Series, hosted by The Gardens Ice House and Gardens Sports Limited, provides Learn to Skate USA programs and USFS member clubs the opportunity to showcase their skills in a friendly and encouraging environment The series includes October Skatefest, Winter Open, Spring Fling, and Pre-Summer Challenge.
During the 2025 January Winter Open, our skaters competed in the following events:
Basic 4 Elements
Charlotte N
Basic 4 Program with Music
Charlotte N
Oaklyn C
Basic 5 Program with Music
Sydney F
Basic 6 Elements
Anabella N
Basic 6 Program with Music
Anabella N
Adult Beginner Freeskate
Kamryn T
Adult Bronze Freeskate
Genna B
Kaylynn B
Excel Pre-preliminary Freeskate
Kyla G
Nicole C
Aspire 1 Freeskate
Charlotte D
Sky J
Aspire 3 Freeskate
Victoria S
Zoey N
Aspire 4 Compulsory Moves
Victoria S
Zoey N
Interpretive Pre-preliminary
Anabella N
Interpretive Aspire 1-4
Charlotte D
Victoria S
Zoey N
Showcase Character Performance Basic 1-6
Anabella N
Charlotte N
Showcase Duet Aspire 1-4
Genna B & Gregoryanna B
High School Artistic Challenge Level A
Charlotte D
Kyla G
Madelyn S
Aspire 1 Synchronized Skating
Dynamic Flair Aspire: Anabella N, Charlotte N, Emily W, Evelyn S, Maia C, Oaklyn C, Sky J, Sydney F, Teagan B
FSCSM SKATERS SHINE (CONT’D)
In addition to competition success, we also celebrate and applaud our skaters who have recently passed tests, achieving important milestones in their skating journeys. Your dedication and perseverance continue to inspire us! Congratulations to:
Cedric R: Pre-Gold Skating Skills
Genna B: Pre-Silver Skating Skills
Gregoryanna B: Bronze Skating Skills
Tamara C: Rhythm Blues (Lead Solo)
Share Your Skating Successes with FSCSM!
We love celebrating our skaters! If you have exciting news passing a test, competing in an event, or achieving a personal milestone let us know!
We also welcome your photos and highlights to share on our social media pages to showcase our FSCSM family’s amazing achievements.
Submit your news and pictures via fscsm@fscsm.org We can’t wait to cheer you on and share your accomplishments with the FSCSM community!
DID YOU KNOW...?
Jackson Haines, an American skater in the 1860s, is considered the father of modern figure skating for introducing ballet-style movements to the sport Haines also invented the sit spin, one of the oldest elements in figure skating (Sources: Oh My Facts; Wikipedia)
Photo credit: Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php? curid=984521
FSCSM ELECTIONS – GET INVOLVED & MAKE AN
IMPACT
Elections are coming up in the next few months, and your participation is essential! FSCSM’s Board of Directors helps shape the club’s future, and we encourage all members to consider running for a position. Below is a brief overview of each role, with full descriptions available online. We’ll send additional details via email closer to election season, including nomination and voting procedures
Board Positions Open for Election:
President – Leads club operations, sets goals, and represents FSCSM externally.
Vice President – Supports the President, oversees committees, and assists with events.
Treasurer – Manages finances, budgeting, and financial reporting.
Secretary – Maintains club records, handles communications, and schedules meetings.
Member-at-Large – Supports board initiatives, provides feedback, and assists with club projects
�� For full position descriptions, visit our website
Your voice matters! Consider running for a position or nominating someone who would be a great fit Let’s work together to keep FSCSM strong!
VOLUNTEER & MAKE A DIFFERENCE
FSCSM runs on volunteers, and we need your help! There are many ways to get involved, from assisting at events to helping with administrative tasks One immediate opportunity is the Spring Ice Show we need volunteers to help make it a success!
Additionally, we ’ re looking for volunteers to take on key club roles in the new skate year, including:
Membership Chair – Helps manage club membership and welcomes new members. Safe Sport Chair – Ensures compliance with U.S. Figure Skating’s Safe Sport policies.
Test Chair – Organizes and oversees test sessions for skaters
If you ’ re interested in volunteering, let us know! Your time and support help FSCSM thrive
HELP SHAPE FSCSM’S FUTURE – WE WANT YOUR INPUT!
FSCSM is planning for the next 3-5 years, and we need your feedback! While strategic meetings are limited to board members, we’ll be gathering input from skaters, parents, and members through emails and in-person opportunities
This is your chance to share what you’d like to see in the club and the activities we offer Be on the lookout for ways to participate your ideas matter! If you have any immediate feedback, feel free to submit it here.
MEMBERSHIP
– WHY JOIN FSCSM?
Becoming a member of a U.S. Figure Skating club like the Figure Skating Club of Southern Maryland offers exclusive benefits, including:
✔ Access to test sessions, critiques, and competitions.
✔ The ability to represent FSCSM at events
✔ Special opportunities and discounts for club ice time and activities.
We begin accepting membership applications every year on June 1, and the new skate year begins July 1. If you’d like more information, learn more on our website or reach out to us by email or in person we look forward to welcoming you to FSCSM!
GEAR UP WITH FSCSM ��
FSCSM Club Jackets & Merchandise Available!
FSCSM club jackets are now available, and we ’ re placing a bulk order to secure a discount! If you’d like to order a jacket, please email the club by April 15 with your requested size and name customization (see the size chart below)
Going forward, we’ll send out requests quarterly for additional bulk jacket orders Don’t miss out represent FSCSM on and off the ice! ❄⛸
Looking for more ways to show your FSCSM pride? Check out our club merchandise, including hoodies, t-shirts, mugs, water bottles, and bags! Visit our website to explore all the options
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Your feedback helps us make the Figure Skating Club of Southern Maryland the best it can be for our skaters and families Whether you have suggestions, questions, or ideas, we’d love to hear from you!
Please take a moment to share your thoughts through our online feedback form You can also scan the QR code included in this newsletter to access the form quickly.
