Tara Kay Willis, Coach

Tara Kay Willis is a Coach for the IceLiners Synchronized Skating Team.

She has been coaching for over 15 years at all levels in numerous disciplines including Synchronized Skating, Choreography, Freestyle and Moves In The Field. Tara is a Category A certified member of Professional Skaters Association (PSA) and U.S. Figure Skating.

She holds a B.S. from the University of Delaware in Health and Exercise Science, minoring in Figure Skating Science. Figure Skating Science is a specialized degree of study for competitive figure skating coaches, blending theory and practice of sports psychology and biomechanics as they pertain to the sport of figure skating. Her degree also included being mentored by Ron Luddington and other National, World and Olympic coaches.

Previously, Tara was a Synchronized Skating Coach at Exton Edge Figure Skating Club in Exton, Pennsylvania, where she coached the Open Juvenile team.

Gianna Szpanka, Coach

Gianna Szpanka is a Coach for the IceLiners Synchronized Skating Team.

Gianna Szpanka is a dedicated coach on the IceLiners Synchronized Skating Team, bringing over 20 years of skating experience to the rink. A vibrant presence on the ice, Gianna is known for infusing fun and laughter into her coaching, inspiring her skaters to embrace their love for the sport. As a USFS double gold medalist in Moves in the Field and Senior Solo Free Dance, Gianna has achieved remarkable success throughout her skating career. She is a five-time synchronized skating national competitor and proudly represented TEAM USA in 2021 and 2022 as a member of the Skyliners Senior team. Her international experience includes a commendable second-place finish in France, as well as earning a bronze medal at the US National Championships. Passionate about sharing her love for figure skating, Gianna brings joy and excitement to every practice. Gianna enjoys working with skaters of all levels, from beginners to advanced competitors. She specializes in jumps, spins, choreography, moves in the field, as well as off-ice agility training, jump rotation, spin positions, and flexibility. She is dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive environment for skaters of all ages.

EMMA LUCKMAN, Coach

Emma Luckman is a Coach for the IceLiners Synchronized Skating Team.

Emma skated for renowned Skyliners Senior line out of New York. With her team, they were titled the U.S. Bronze Medalists. During her time at Skyliners, Emma represented Team USA competing at worlds in Berlin, Germany. During college, Emma continued skating on the the Miami University Collegiate and Junior Varsity Synchronized Skating teams. Emma holds a national championship title as a member of the Miami University Collegiate Varsity Synchronized Skating Team. The team won Nationals in 2016, serving as Miami Collegiate’s twelfth consecutive national title. Along with coaching synchro, Emma has also coached Special Olympics and is currently a Learn to Skate
and Freestyle Coach. Emma holds a Bachelor of Science from Miami University in Early Childhood Education and an
Environmental Educator certificate. Emma is currently a third-grade teacher in Philadelphia.

Madison Gaylord, Coach

Madison Gaylord is a Coach for the IceLiners Synchronized Skating Team.

Madison has been a competitive synchronized skater for 11 years, skating from Aspire levels up to Senior. Madison competed for Team Liberty and Philadelphia Symmetry up through high school. While skating for Philadelphia Symmetry she attended US Nationals at the Novice and Junior levels. Madison attended Adrian College where she earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in Elementary Education. During her time at Adrian she skated for their Collegiate and Senior varsity synchronized skating teams.  Madison and her team won two US National Silver medals in 2020 and 2022 in the collegiate division. In 2023 Madison represented Team USA at the senior level competing in Gdańsk, Poland where her team earned a silver medal. Madison is currently teaching in the North Penn School District. She is also a Learn to Skate and freestyle coach.

Lucia Szpanka, Coach

Lucia is a Coach for the IceLiners Synchronized Skating Team.

Lucia Szpanka is a dedicated and accomplished skating coach for the IceLiners synchronized skating team. With 19 years of skating experience, Lucia has built a remarkable career in the sport. She is a USFS Gold Medalist in Moves in the Field and a two-time national competitor with Philadelphia Symmetry. Additionally, she has competed regionally in Intermediate Freestyle, showcasing her versatility and skill. Lucia takes pride in coaching Learn to Skate (LTS), Singles, Power and Edge and Choreography. She enjoys working with skaters of all ages and skill levels. Her passion for synchronized skating and commitment to her athletes inspire everyone around her. Lucia believes in the beauty of the sport and aims to share that joy with her students, fostering a love for skating that lasts a lifetime.

Julia Blanchette, Coach

Julia Blanchette is a Coach for the IceLiners Synchronized Skating Team.

Coach Julia has been passionate about skating since she first laced up her skates at the age of three. With a strong foundation in competitive figure skating. Julia is a USFS Gold Medalist in Moves in the Field, Pre-Silver Singles, and Pre-Gold Dances. Additionally, she has competed regionally at the Intermediate level in Freestyle. Her journey in synchronized skating brought her to the Novice level, where she showcased her talent and dedication to the sport. Julia's extensive knowledge spans various areas, including jumps, spins, choreography, synchronized skating, moves in the field, and power and edge. Coach Julia is dedicated to fostering a love for skating in students of all ages and skill levels. Whether you are just starting your skating journey or looking to refine your techniques, Julia provides personalized coaching to help each skater reach their full potential. Currently, Julia is pursuing her studies at Delaware Valley University, where she continues to grow both personally and professionally. Her commitment to the sport and her athletes makes her an invaluable member of our coaching team.

Catherine Jevit, Coach

Catherine Jevit is a Coach for the IceLiners Synchronized Skating Team.

Emma Blanchette, Coach

Emma Blanchette is a Coach for the IceLiners Synchronized Skating Team.

Coach Emma began her skating journey at the young age of five and has been passionate about the sport since the very first time she stepped on the ice. Currently a member of Team Canada Nexxice, Emma has made significant strides in her skating career. Emma is a USFS double gold medalist in Moves in the Field and Senior Singles Free Skate and is currently focused on mastering her Pre-Gold Dances. In addition to her coaching experience, Emma has competed at the regional level in singles and ice dancing, successfully advancing to sectionals in ice dancing. Her competitive background enriches her coaching approach, providing valuable insights to her skaters. Emma enjoys working with skaters of all levels, from beginners to advanced competitors. She specializes in jumps, spins, choreography, moves in the field, as well as off-ice agility training, jump rotation, spin positions, and flexibility. With her extensive knowledge and genuine enthusiasm for skating, Coach Emma is dedicated to helping her students achieve their goals and excel in their skating endeavors.