Colorado Springs, Colo. – Miami University announced today the retirement of synchronized skating coach Vicki Korn, a three-time PSA Synchronized Skating Coach of the Year and originator of the nation’s first collegiate senior-level synchronized skating program.
“After 25 years of service to Miami, it is with mixed emotions that I announce my retirement from the synchronized skating program and the university,” Korn said. “I am extremely proud of the program and all of its accomplishments, which were built by years of undying dedication to the sport of synchronized skating.”
Korn joined Miami in 1984 as its skating director and coach of the synchronized skating program at the club level. She guided Miami to a U.S. junior title in 1993 and two bronze medals at the senior level (1994-95).
Under Korn’s direction, Miami’s synchronized skating team, the RedHawks, became the nation’s first senior collegiate synchronized skating program, capturing three U.S. titles at the senior level (1999, 2006, 2009) and 11 U.S. titles at the collegiate level (1997-98, 2000-03, 2005-09).
In 2007, Korn’s senior team made U.S. synchronized skating history at the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships in London, Ontario, Canada, where it finished second to become the first-ever U.S. team to medal at the event. The RedHawks remain the only U.S. team with that distinction and have earned a berth to compete at the World Synchronized Championships eight of the last nine years.
“Her impact on the sport – but, more specifically, on Miami and the tradition of excellence she has built here – is immeasurable,” said Brad Bates, Miami director of athletics. “Her work with our synchronized skaters epitomizes our mission to develop champions with love and honor, and have our student-athletes leave Miami University with a prestigious degree and championship jewelry.”
Korn plans to remain involved in synchronized skating.
“I look forward to a new career of consulting, running clinics and directing camps to further promote the sport that I love so much,” she said.
U.S Figure Skating
U.S. Figure Skating is the national governing body for the sport of figure skating in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee and the International Skating Union. U.S. Figure Skating is comprised of more than 763 member clubs and Basic Skills Programs representing approximately 179,000 members. U.S. Figure Skating is charged with the development of the sport on all levels within the United States including athletes, officials, sanctioning of events and exhibitions, and establishing the rules and guidelines by which the sport is governed.
