Home for the Summer, Giving Back to the Rink That Helped Shape Her Journey
This summer, Skating Edge skaters have a unique opportunity to learn from one of our own.
After spending the academic year training, competing, and studying at Northeastern University in Boston, Audra Yap is back home at Skating Edge Ice Arena, bringing her competitive experience, passion for the sport, and growing coaching expertise to the next generation of skaters.
A longtime member of the Skating Edge community, Audra has spent more than 11 years in the sport, earning success at the sectional and national levels while continuing to pursue ambitious goals both on and off the ice. Today, she balances collegiate competition, academic success, and coaching while staying connected to the rink she considers home.
Finding a Home at Skating Edge
Audra’s skating journey took an unexpected turn when the Promenade Ice Chalet closed during the pandemic. Like many skaters, she suddenly found herself searching for a new place to train.
Moving from a small rink where everyone knew one another to a larger facility meant starting over and building new relationships. What initially felt intimidating quickly became an opportunity to find a new skating family.
"Changing rinks from the Promenade Ice Chalet to Skating Edge was a bit of a challenge for me, but it quickly became my second home."
Over time, familiar faces from her former rink joined the Skating Edge community, and new friendships helped make the rink feel like home. Today, even while attending school across the country, Audra remains closely connected to her coaches, teammates, and friends. Every trip home includes time spent training, performing in rink shows, and reconnecting with the community that has supported her throughout her skating journey.
Competing at the Collegiate Level
While attending Northeastern University, Audra continues to pursue her competitive goals while balancing a demanding academic schedule.
Like many student-athletes, she has learned that success comes down to discipline, organization, and effective time management. Maintaining her training schedule while keeping up with academics has helped her develop skills that extend far beyond the ice.
Collegiate skating has also introduced her to new opportunities. While freestyle remains her primary discipline, competing for Northeastern Figure Skating Club has expanded her experience into ice dance and team maneuvers. It has also given her a new perspective on the sport.
Through collegiate skating and her role on Northeastern FSC’s executive board, Audra has gained valuable leadership experience and developed a deeper appreciation for teamwork and community building within figure skating.
Learning Through Challenges and Growth
Like many competitive athletes, Audra continues to set ambitious goals for herself. She is currently working toward landing her double axel and triple jumps while continuing to develop her skills in freestyle and ice dance.
The process has reinforced the importance of patience, perseverance, and trusting long-term development. While progress doesn’t always happen as quickly as athletes hope, Audra believes the lessons learned along the way are just as valuable as the end result.
Her competitive accomplishments include a bronze medal at the National Excel Festival, a second-place Pacific Coast Section ranking in Novice Excel, and a gold medal in the National Showcase Mini Production event.
Beginning Her Coaching Journey
This summer, Audra is taking the next step in her skating journey by sharing her knowledge and experience with younger skaters through coaching.
As she begins working with students, she often reflects on her own experiences in Learn to Skate classes and the coaches who helped guide her development. Having spent years learning from experienced coaches, she now enjoys helping younger skaters build confidence and develop new skills of their own.
Whether she is encouraging a skater during practice or celebrating a new accomplishment, Audra enjoys being part of each student’s progress and helping them discover what makes skating special.
"I really hope my students gain a love and appreciation for skating because it really is an amazing sport like no other."
Coaching This Summer at Skating Edge
Audra is currently accepting private lesson students while home from Northeastern University this summer.
As an active competitive skater, she brings a current athlete’s perspective to every lesson and enjoys helping students build strong fundamentals, confidence, and a love for the sport.
Audra offers:
- Private figure skating lessons
- Beginner through advanced skating skills
- Edge work and skating fundamentals
- Competition preparation and goal setting
- Introduction to figure skating for new skaters
- Basic skating and edge development for hockey players
Whether a skater is just getting started or looking to take the next step in their development, Audra is excited to share her experience and passion for the sport.
Please note: Audra will return to Northeastern University on August 10, making this a limited summer opportunity for skaters interested in working with her before she heads back to Boston.
Learn More About Our Coaching Team
The strength of Skating Edge lies in its people.
Our Coach Spotlight series highlights the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and teaching styles that make our rink a welcoming place for skaters of all ages and levels.
Follow along as we continue to spotlight the coaches who help shape the Skating Edge community both on and off the ice.
Learn more about our coaches here.
