For the LaRocca family, Montclair State University Ice Arena has long felt like home.
Chris LaRocca has spent years at the rink as both a player and coach. Today, he coaches high school hockey and works with the Montclair Blues Travel Hockey Club. But while hockey brought him to the rink, it was his daughter Olivia who discovered her own passion on the ice.
What began as a parent-and-child skating class has grown into a love for figure skating, performances, and competition through the Junior Redhawks Competition Team.
Every Skater Starts Somewhere
Like many young skaters, Olivia’s journey began with small steps.
Chris originally planned to introduce her to skating at an even younger age, but rink closures during the pandemic delayed those plans. Once programs returned, Olivia joined the My Tot & Me Learn to Skate class with her dad at just two years old.
"We started her in the My Tot and Me program," Chris recalls.
From the beginning, Olivia loved being on the ice.
As she progressed through Learn to Skate USA levels, it became clear that skating was more than just a fun activity. She eagerly learned new skills, built confidence, and looked forward to every trip to the rink.
Today, when asked what she loves most about skating, her answer is simple:
“I like learning new things.”
A Rink That Feels Like Home
For the LaRocca family, continuing at Montclair State University Ice Arena was an easy choice.
Chris has been connected to the rink for nearly two decades. Before coaching with the Blues, he regularly played games at the arena and built relationships with the people who make the facility feel welcoming.
“It feels like home,” he says.
That sense of community has become an important part of Olivia’s skating journey as well.
Whether she is working with coaches, practicing new skills, or spending time with teammates, the rink has become a place where she feels comfortable, supported, and excited to learn.
Discovering a Love for Figure Skating
As Olivia continued developing her skating skills, her confidence and enthusiasm grew.
“She really took to skating,” Chris says.
Her passion for skating caught the attention of Skating Director Deana Sroka and coach Michele, who encouraged the family to consider the Junior Redhawks Competition Team.
Junior Redhawks gives young skaters additional opportunities to build confidence, perform, and continue developing their figure skating skills in a supportive, team-oriented environment.
For many families, deciding when to introduce additional skating opportunities can feel overwhelming.
"The transition into figure skating can feel overwhelming for both skaters and parents because suddenly there are so many new expectations," says Sroka. "A program like Junior Redhawks creates a clear pathway where families feel supported instead of intimidated."
For Olivia, joining the team was an easy decision.
“Coaches Deana and Michele asked if she’d like to join Junior Redhawks,” Chris says. “She was all about it.”
Building Confidence Through Performance
While skating skills continue to improve each season, the biggest growth often happens away from the technical elements of the sport.
“The biggest transformation I see is confidence,” says Sroka.
At the start of a season, many skaters are nervous about performing in front of others. Through practices, choreography sessions, showcases, and competitions, they gradually become more comfortable challenging themselves and stepping outside their comfort zones.
Olivia experienced that growth firsthand.
When asked if she was nervous before her first performance, she quickly answered:
“Yes, but then I got into it.”
That simple response captures exactly why programs like Junior Redhawks matter.
Learning how to perform in front of an audience, trust your training, and overcome nerves are skills that extend far beyond the ice.
"First performances are often the moments that spark confidence and passion in young athletes," says Sroka. "Those experiences help build resilience and create memories that often keep kids excited about the sport for years to come."
More Than Competition
Although Junior Redhawks introduces skaters to performances and competitions, the experience is about much more than results.
It is about friendships.
It is about personal growth.
And it is about developing a lifelong love of skating.
When asked what her favorite part of being on the team is, Olivia doesn’t mention medals or scores.
Her answer?
“Meeting new friends.”
That sense of belonging is intentional.
For young athletes, those relationships often become just as meaningful as the skills they learn.
"The environment is designed to feel welcoming, encouraging, and team-oriented," says Sroka. "We celebrate progress at every level and make sure skaters feel seen for their effort, not just their achievements."
The Next Step in the Journey
Today, Olivia continues to train, learn, perform, and grow through Junior Redhawks.
Her favorite skill is the waltz jump.
Her favorite part of competition is getting to perform in front of an audience.
And according to her dad, she still looks forward to every opportunity to get on the ice.
“I can’t remember one day where she said she didn’t want to come.”
Stories like Olivia’s are exactly why the Junior Redhawks Competition Team exists.
Not every skater begins their journey dreaming of competitions or performances. Some simply step onto the ice for the first time and discover something they love.
With the right support, coaching, and opportunities, those first steps can lead to confidence, friendships, unforgettable experiences, and a lifelong passion for skating.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether your skater is looking for more opportunities to perform, additional coaching, or their first competition experience, the Junior Redhawks Competition Team provides a supportive environment where young athletes can continue growing.
Through coaching, choreography, performance opportunities, and competition experiences, skaters build confidence while continuing to develop their skills in a fun, encouraging, and team-oriented atmosphere.