Today we’d like to introduce you to Laura Sanders Holzman.
Hi Laura, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began ice skating as a child in Knoxville. At first, it was simply a way to earn a Girl Scout badge, but I quickly fell in love with the sport. From that point on, skating became a defining part of my life. Over the years, I have experienced the sport from many different perspectives, including competing, coaching, training athletes and helping other skaters develop their skills.
Today, I have the privilege of leading Nashville Skating Academy (NSA), which is home to the area’s largest and longest-running Learn to Skate program and the only U.S. Figure Skating-accredited Learn to Skate program in Middle Tennessee. We also offer a wide range of programs for skaters at every level.
One of the greatest joys of my career has been playing a different role in so many people’s skating journeys. I have watched skaters build confidence, discover a lifelong passion, achieve goals they once thought were out of reach and, in some cases, advance to major national and international competitions.
NSA has nearly 80 coaches and operates across Nashville at Centennial Sportsplex, Ford Ice Center Antioch and Ford Ice Center Bellevue. I am incredibly proud of what we have built and grateful to be surrounded by such a wonderful team. I am also fortunate to work alongside my daughters every day. Our team truly feels like a second family, which makes this work even more meaningful.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Ice skating teaches you a great deal about falling, getting back up and continuing to move forward. Building a large skating program in the South has required that same resilience.
Ice skating has not traditionally been as accessible or widely established in the South as it has been in other parts of the country. One of the greatest challenges has been finding facilities that can support programs for such a wide range of skaters. We are extremely grateful to have access to exceptional facilities in Nashville, made possible through the support of the Nashville Predators and TPH Nashville. This access to space has allowed us to expand our programming, welcome more skaters and provide opportunities for people at every age and ability level.
We’ve been impressed with Nashville Skating Academy, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When I was growing up in Tennessee, I had to travel to other cities to get the level of training I needed. That made me determined to create those same opportunities in Nashville, so skaters here could get strong training without having to leave their community.
What makes NSA special is the range of programs we offer. We have something for people at every stage of their skating journey. We are proud to have one of the only U.S. Figure Skating-accredited Learn to Skate program in Middle Tennessee, which is also the area’s largest and longest-running program of its kind. For many people, that is where their love of skating begins. Some go on to compete at an elite level, while others skate for exercise, confidence or simply because they love being on the ice.
We also have a large adult skating community and are proud to partner with Metro Parks disABILITIES to offer adaptive skating opportunities.
What I am most proud of is the culture we have built. Skating can be competitive, but we want people at every age and level to feel welcomed and valued. I love seeing skaters at different stages learn from one another, support each other and grow together. I am just so proud that we have created such a healthy and caring environment.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There is always something happening at Nashville Skating Academy. Information about our programs, registration opportunities and upcoming events can be found on our website, Instagram and Facebook pages.
The best way to support us is to come get on the ice, share the word with others and help us continue growing the skating community in Middle Tennessee. Whether you are three or 99, there is a place for you on the ice and an opportunity to fall in love with skating.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nashvilleiceskate.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nashvilleskating
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nashvilleskateacademy
