Stephanie Smith-Velez

Stephanie was born and raised in Spokane, Washington. Initially her skating journey started as a slush puppy defensemen. She then switched to figure skating and competed for 15 years and reaching the top competition level as a double gold medalist. Eventually, Stephanie joined Holiday on Ice as a semi principal in 2009. Tour brought her all over the world until her retirement in 2012.

Stephanie took a break from coaching while supporting her husband and family while her husband was in school. Since being back in the Spokane area she has rejoined the skating community. Getting her toes back into the game teaching learn to skate with LCFSC; her focus shifted into building and developing the hockey community in the Spokane and surrounding areas. Partnering with local hockey groups in the fall of 2023, her passion and dedication would soon become clear, as a skating skills coach for the Spokane hockey community, from beginner to advanced athletes.

Stephanie’s primary focus is with the development of edge quality, extension, and stride of the players. Great skaters come from the knowledge and understanding of performance of basic skills. Which is why her lessons are not only to help players perform but also to educate and challenge players with questions to understand the importance of why and how to perform. From there she then focuses on power, footwork and other skills that will be necessary for each player as they develop and grow.