The Sacred Heart club figure skating team (SHUFS) closed its 2025-26 season on home ice, hosting its spring exhibition at the Martire Family Arena on March 22 and bringing a successful season back to campus.
The exhibition, just the second in program history, marked a significant step for a team that typically spends its season traveling to compete and perform at rinks across the region.
For team president senior Emma Whitehead, who experienced the event as a sophomore, bringing back the event was a priority of hers.
“As president, it was a personal goal of mine to highlight our skaters on home ice, and bringing back the exhibition felt like the perfect way to do that,” said Whitehead. “I couldn’t have asked for it to go any better, and I truly hope it becomes an annual tradition for SHUFS.”
The showcase gave skaters a rare opportunity to perform in front of family, friends and the campus community. Participants were grouped by skill level, and each segment followed a structured warm-up format designed to mirror official competition settings.
Whitehead said maintaining that competitive standard was intentional.
“My coach, Lisa Fedick, and I worked hard to make the exhibition resemble a real competition as closely as possible,” said Whitehead. “Even though this was a showcase, no one simplified their programs. Each skater chose to perform at their highest level of difficulty to truly showcase their talent.”
The event served as a capstone to a season defined by growth. The Pioneers traveled to exhibitions at New York University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Utica University, continuing to expand their presence within collegiate figure skating.
Whitehead, who has been on the team’s executive board for most of her college career, said the team has taken measurable steps forward in a short time.
“During my time, I’ve had the privilege of watching this team grow into something greater than I ever imagined,” said Whitehead. “We’ve expanded across all competitive levels, gained recognition from the U.S. Collegiate Figure Skating Association, and built a strong presence here at Sacred Heart University.”
The progress has translated into consistent results. Sacred Heart placed fifth in each of its competitions this season and has qualified for U.S. Collegiate Figure Skating Association nationals three times in program history.
Despite competing on larger stages throughout the year, the home exhibition carried added significance for the skaters.
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“There’s something special about performing in front of the people who support you every day,” said Whitehead. “It meant a lot to share that moment with our teammates, friends and families.”
That sense of connection has become a defining characteristic of the program. Freshman Samantha Hudson has felt that in her first season with the team and cited it as one of the main reasons she enjoys coming to the rink each day.
“I think we have a great program right now, with a family-like atmosphere and very accomplished skaters,” said Hudson. “Everyone on the team is extremely passionate about what we do, and with that energy, I think we will continue to improve and grow our program.”
With the season complete, the Pioneers are already looking ahead. While several seniors, including Whitehead, are set to graduate, the foundation established this year has positioned the program for continued growth.
“This season will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Whitehead. “We’ve built an incredible bond as a team, and we’ve created something special here.”
