Every season, families reach a point where they realize their child wants more from skating.
- Maybe they’re asking for extra ice time.
- Maybe they love performing in front of an audience.
- Maybe they’re progressing through Learn to Skate or Aspire and looking for new opportunities to grow.
The question becomes:
What’s the right next step?
At Montclair State University Ice Arena, the Junior Redhawks Competition Team was created to help answer that question.
The program provides a supportive bridge into figure skating, helping young skaters build confidence, develop skills, and discover what they love most about the sport.
More Than Just Skating Lessons
While technical skill development remains an important part of every session, Junior Redhawks offers much more than additional ice time.
Skaters gain experience with:
- Goal setting
- Performance preparation
- Teamwork
- Responsibility
- Confidence building
- Personal growth
They also become part of a supportive skating community.
Figure skating is often viewed as an individual sport, but young athletes benefit tremendously from being surrounded by coaches, teammates, and families who support their growth.
“The environment is intentionally designed to feel welcoming, encouraging, and team-oriented,” says Skating Director Deana Sroka.
Building Confidence One Step at a Time
For many skaters, the biggest challenge isn’t learning a new skill. It’s believing they can do it. That’s why confidence is at the heart of Junior Red Hawks.
At the beginning of the season, many skaters are nervous about performing, trying new skills, or stepping onto the ice in front of an audience.
Over time, those experiences become opportunities to grow.
Through practices, showcases, performances, and competitions, skaters learn how to trust themselves, manage nerves, and celebrate their progress.
The result is confidence that extends far beyond the rink.
“The biggest transformation I see is confidence,” says Sroka.
Why Performance Matters
One of the most exciting parts of Junior Red Hawks is the opportunity to perform.
For many skaters, skating in a showcase or performing in front of an audience becomes a defining moment in their journey.
Those experiences teach valuable lessons about preparation, resilience, and self-belief.
More importantly, they create memories that keep young athletes excited about returning to the rink week after week.
“First performances are often the moments that spark confidence and passion in young athletes,” says Sroka.
Finding Friendships Along the Way
Ask many young skaters what they love most about their skating experience, and the answer isn’t always a jump, spin, or competition.
Often, it’s the people.
When Junior Red Hawks skater Olivia LaRocca was asked her favorite part of being on the team, her answer was simple:
“Meeting new friends.”
Junior Red Hawks gives young athletes the opportunity to build friendships with skaters who share similar interests and goals.
Those relationships often become one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
Is Junior Red Hawks Right for Your Skater?
The Junior Red Hawks Competition Team is ideal for skaters who are ready for more opportunities on the ice.
The program includes:
- Skill-appropriate group instruction
- Individual coaching
- Choreographed solo programs
- Performance opportunities
- Competition experiences
- A supportive team environment
The focus isn’t simply on competition. It’s on helping every skater build confidence, continue developing their skills, and discover what’s possible.
“Junior Red Hawks helps bridge skaters from Learn to Skate into figure skating in a fun and supportive way,” says Sroka.
A Pathway for Every Skater
Not every skater will follow the same journey. Some will skate recreationally. Some will discover a passion for performing. Others may choose to pursue competitive opportunities. The goal isn’t to push every skater toward the same destination. The goal is to provide opportunities for continued growth.
For many families, Junior Red Hawks becomes that next step, offering additional coaching, performance experiences, and a supportive community where young athletes can continue developing both on and off the ice.
“Every skater’s journey looks different, and we’re here to help them take the next step,” says Sroka.
Registration Is Open
Whether your skater is looking for more opportunities to perform, additional coaching, or their first competition experience, Junior Red Hawks provides a fun, encouraging environment where every skater can continue to grow.
Visit our website for program details, schedules, and registration information.
Because every skater starts somewhere—and every journey deserves the chance to soar.