Northfield Skating School

Each session, NSS honors the staff member with the highest student retention, that is, the coach who has the highest percentage of skaters from their classes sign up to continue skating lessons. A high retention rate is a symbol of the commitment and quality of teaching, which greatly impacts our program. This session’s retention winner was coach Laura Mansell, with an astounding 100% of her skaters signing up to continue lessons! Read on to learn Laura’s “secrets:”

Each session, I do my best to be not only a coach but a role model and friend to my students. Finding a balance between the authority figure and the friend is key; I bring both a sense of humor and element of fun to my classes but retain the learning environment so the skaters can advance their skills. I make sure to always encourage the skater and let them know what they have improved on while also providing constructive criticism. Most importantly, it is up to the skater to not only have the desire to learn the skills for a certain level but the desire to continue skating and learning! To all of my students and their parents, I thank you all for being enthusiastic about skating and for signing up for the next session. I look forward to seeing you all next year! Good luck in Session Two!

Congratulations, Laura, for your achievement – 100% is a first in NSS history – and your contributions to our school!

Check out our documentary (produced by NSS Coach Kristen Asp) to see clips of Laura in action.