Coach

Coach Sam has been involved in figure skating for more than 30 years and has over 20 years of experience as a coach. Throughout her skating career, she has trained and competed in several disciplines, including singles, synchronized skating, high school team skating, and collegiate skating as a member of the Michigan State University Figure Skating Team. She continues to skate and compete as an adult, including in U.S. Figure Skating Adult Qualifying competitions.

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As a coach, Sam brings lots of energy, encouragement, and fun to the ice. She loves teaching skating skills and technique, working on jumps, and creating choreography that lets each skater’s personality shine. After more than three decades in the sport, skating remains one of the great joys of her life, and she loves getting to share that joy with the next generation. Sam cherishes being part of the Dream Detroit staff and community and supporting its mission to create opportunities for Detroit youth, build a strong community of competitive figure skaters of color and increase representation in a sport where athletes of color have historically been underrepresented.

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Outside of the rink, Sam earned her law degree and has spent more than a decade working as an attorney and in business management. She is also an avid equestrian and loves spending time at the barn, snowboarding, and hanging out with her husband and her Samoyed, Lilo.

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