Celebrating 2024 National Women's History Month with Chelsea Piers Athletes + Coaches
March 11, 2024
As we embrace the significance of National Women's History Month, there is no better time to shine a spotlight on the remarkable athletes and coaches from Chelsea Piers. Throughout history, women in sports have faced challenges and triumphs, breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be a formidable force on the field, court, range, rink or in the gym. We spoke with Chelsea Piers Athletes and Coaches to learn more about their experiences and journeys as women in sports!
Meet Liya, Chelsea Piers Excel Diamond Gymnast
Chelsea Piers Field House, Pier 62
Why do you love your sport, and why do you think girls should pursue it?
I do gymnastics and I love it because it is so much fun, you get to be on a team, learn sportsmanship, and do flips, which is the best part. I think girls should do gymnastics because you get to make lifelong friends and it’s so much fun to compete and practice!
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
My favorite female athletes are my friends because they push me every single day to be a better gymnast.
What’s your favorite piece of advice that you’ve received?
My favorite piece of advice is that gymnastics is not something you should go crazy over and that it is for fun! You should always remember that you are doing gymnastics for the fun of it.
What advice do you have for girls in sports?
My advice for girls is to have good sportsmanship. Sometimes you will do really good, or sometimes not as good as you hope. You should always try to be supportive towards other girls even if you are not as happy with your performance.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite sports memory was when I got to do my first floor routine that was choreographed just for me because it felt unique and special. It made me feel like one of the big girls in gymnastics.
Meet Autumn, Chelsea Piers Figure Skater
Chelsea Piers Sky Rink, Pier 61
Why do you love your sport, and why do you think girls should pursue it?
I figure skate at Chelsea Piers and I love figure skating because it is competitive and really fun. When you jump, spin, or get something for the first time, it’s a really good feeling. I think girls should pursue ice skating because it is a really good way to express yourself. With my coach we joke around, and it is really fun, making it a really good part of figure skating while getting work done.
What’s your favorite piece of advice that you’ve received?
My favorite piece of advice I’ve received is that the biggest failure isn’t failing, the biggest failure is not trying. This is really important in figure skating. I could do bad in my program and look horrible, but if I made corrections and I tried my best, it makes up for it even if I don’t make first place.
What advice do you have for girls in sports?
My advice for girls in sports is to not give up. Don’t give up and keep trying even if something seems really hard or impossible. You just have to keep going because you will get it!
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite sports memory is when I landed my axel, which is the first big step towards getting really good. When you land your axel, you feel good and proud of yourself.
Meet Jenn, Chelsea Piers Figure Skating Coach
Chelsea Piers Sky Rink, Pier 61
Why do you love your sport, and why do you think girls should pursue it?
I love ice skating because of the speed paired with athleticism and grace. It makes you feel very powerful. I think girls should pursue it because it teaches you a lot about reaching goals and challenging yourself on a daily basis. It’s also an amazing community.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
My favorite female athletes are my young adult students because this is something that they’ve wanted to do their whole lives and they are finally pursing it. They put their heart, time, and energy into it, inspiring me so much.
What’s your favorite piece of advice that you’ve received?
My favorite piece of advice that I’ve received in skating is that no amount of instruction will ever replace repetition. I am so grateful for that piece of advice because it really taught me that it’s up to me if I want to be successful and not my coaches.
What advice do you have for girls in sports?
My advice for girls in sports is to make sure you breathe and make sure you trust your own instincts. Often times as athletes, we rely heavily on the words of our mentors, coaches, and peers. I think it is most important to listen to the instinct that you have over all else.
What is your favorite sports memory?
My favorite sports memory is the day that I landed my double axel because I grew up in such a wonderful training environment and I loved my coaches. My mom and dad were both there, we got it on video, and they captured the reaction afterwards. It was just hugs and tears, so much work went into that moment from my family, coaches, and from me. It was so great to celebrate altogether!
Meet Kate, Chelsea Piers Field House Brooklyn Assistant General Manager
Chelsea Piers Field House Brookyln
Why do you love your sport, and why do you think girls should pursue it?
I am a former collegiate ice hockey player! I’ve been skating since I was 2 years old and there’s no better feeling than being on the ice. It’s a sport where you really get to be physical, but it’s fun and high paced. I think that everyone, boys, girls, anyone should pursue it.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
It’s hard to pick, but my favorite female athlete is Hilary Knight, an Olympic hockey player. She has really paved the way in ice hockey, which is predominantly a boy’s sport, but is a sport that is definitely for girls too!
What’s your favorite piece of advice that you’ve received?
The best piece of advice that I’ve ever received is to show up! If you love what you’re doing, you don’t have to be good at it, you just have to come. Come to practice, play in the park, go skating, just do it, then you’ll be able to participate.
What advice do you have for girls in sports?
My advice for girls is you are just as good as anyone you are playing against. Keep showing up, and the world’s the limit.
Meet Carissa, Chelsea Piers Athletic Club Swim School Director
Chelsea Piers Connecticut
Why do you love your sport, and why do you think girls should pursue it?
Growing up, I was a competitive Level 9 gymnasts until I was 16. During the summers, i also did swimming and diving. i think girls should pursue sports because they'll have the opportunity to learn, grow, develop, physically, emotionally, and mentally throughout their youth.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
So I have two faves. The first is a group of gymnasts nicknamed the Magnificent 7, these women won the US their first All-Around Team Gold at the 1996 Olympics. My second favorite female athlete is Katie Ledecky. She’s arguably one of the most decorated swimmers of all time and holds multiple world records.
What’s your favorite piece of advice that you’ve received?
My favorite piece of advice is don’t give up and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. That is how we learn and grow.
What advice do you have for girls in sports?
Always keep trying. It’s going to be hard. It’s going to be difficult. But keep trying.