Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club
It's about the Skater: Accomplishment. Atmosphere. Attitude. Together.
It's about the Skater: Accomplishment. Atmosphere. Attitude. Together.
On July 7, 2026, synchronized skating reached the milestone the sport had awaited for decades: the International Olympic Committee announced the addition of Synchro9 to the Olympic program. For the first time in history, synchronized skating will be part of the Olympic Games, making its long-awaited debut at the 2030 Winter Olympic Games.
The Ann Arbor Hockettes synchronized skating program welcomes skaters of all levels, from Learn to Skate levels through advanced competitive levels. Our new 2026-27 season is just getting started, and it's not too late to join a team! Auditions are being accepted throughout August 2026. To learn more or schedule an audition, email pamela.may@annarborfsc.org
Hockettes: The World’s First-Ever Synchronized Skating Team
The sport of synchronized skating was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1956 by Dr. Richard Porter, the Hockettes made history as the world’s first-ever synchronized skating team, pioneering a brand-new discipline in the world of figure skating.
The Hockettes began performing during intermissions at University of Michigan hockey games and at ice shows hosted by the Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club. As the sport gained popularity, new teams formed, competitions emerged, and synchronized skating evolved into the globally recognized, elite discipline it is today.
What is Synchronized Skating?
Synchronized skating is a team sport that combines elements of freestyle, ice dance, and pairs skating. Teams of 8-20 skaters move in unison at high speeds, creating intricate patterns such as rotating wheels, circles, and intersecting formations. Skaters perform jumps, spins, and lifts, much like in pairs skating and ice dance, but the key difference is that these elements are executed as a team, making synchronized skating the ultimate team sport.
Eligibility: Must be passed Snowplow Sam 4 or Basic 2.
LTS Synchro is a non-competitive exhibition synchronized skating team. The team performs only at Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club events held at the Biggby Coffee Ice Cube in Ann Arbor.
This program offers skaters the opportunity to learn the basics of synchronized skating, make new friends, and skate as part of a team. During Summer 2026, LTS Synchro will practice on Thursday evenings.
Click here for more information.
Eligibility: Passed Basic 3 through Freestyle 5.
Our new teams are just getting started for Summer 2026, and we’re excited to welcome new skaters! We offer multiple Aspire-level teams to accommodate a wide range of skating abilities.
During practices, skaters learn choreography for their synchro team program while also spending dedicated time developing individual skating skills to support overall growth and progression. Throughout the season, skaters not only develop their skating skills but also build strong connections and a true sense of community.
Eligibility: Must have passed the Preliminary SS Test for the Preliminary synchro team or the Pre-Bronze SS Test for the Pre-Juv synchro team.
Our Preliminary and Pre-Juvenile teams are designed for skaters who have progressed beyond Aspire levels and have goals of one day competing at higher levels of synchronized skating. At this stage, athletes continue building strong team and individual skating skills while learning more advanced synchronized skating elements.
Eligibility: Passed the Pre-Gold Skating Skills Test.
The Hockettes Junior Team has been a part of the Hockettes program for more than 25 years. The team has proudly represented the U.S. Junior National Team at more than 22 international competitions and has competed at the World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships three times. Many of our Junior skaters began their synchronized skating journey in the Hockettes program, progressing from beginner levels to the Junior Team. We also welcome skaters from across the United States and around the world.
Eligibility: Passed the Gold Skating Skills Test.
On July 7, 2026, synchronized skating reached the milestone the sport had awaited for decades: the International Olympic Committee announced the addition of Synchro9 to the Olympic program. Synchronized skating will make its Olympic debut at the 2030 Winter Olympic Games.
We are proud to announce Hockettes Synchro9 auditions, taking place July 13–29, with both in-person and virtual options available. Interested skaters should contact pamela.may@annarborfsc.org
Our new Adult teams will start at the end of July 2026. More info coming soon...
We are still accepting new skaters for the 2026–27 synchronized skating season! Free one-on-one skating tryouts are available. If you’re interested in joining one of our teams, please contact our Hockettes On-Ice Director, Pam May, at pamela.may@annarborfsc.org to schedule your tryout or ask any questions.
Hockettes welcome the legendary Pam May as our new Hockettes Synchronized Skating Director!
Read More: Hockettes Welcome New On-Ice Director
Connect with Coach Pam: pamela.may@annarborfsc.org
The Junior Hockettes competed at the 2025 Budapest Cup International Competition on March 14–15, 2025, winning gold and earning the title of international champions.
We are still accepting new skaters for the 2026–27 synchronized skating season! If you are interested in joining one of our teams, please contact our Hockettes On-Ice Director, Pam May: pamela.may@annarborfsc.org
2026–2027 Advantage Plan
For the 2026–27 season, we are excited to offer:
• 50% off Team Fees for new Hockettes skaters
• Ice credit incentives for current Hockettes families who help recruit new skaters
Click here for details. Families interested in learning more are encouraged to contact the Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club office.
On January 17–18, 2026, the Hockettes Junior team represented the U.S. Junior National Team at the Spring Cup in Sesto San Giovanni, Italy.
The team delivered two strong programs, achieved a season-high score of 184.64 points, and earned the bronze medal.
The Hockettes Junior Team has been a cornerstone of the Hockettes program for over 25 years. As the program’s top-level team, the Junior Hockettes set the standard for excellence through skill, athleticism, precision, and artistry.
Throughout their history, the Junior team has proudly represented Team USA in over 20 international competitions and has competed at the World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships three times.
Many of our Junior skaters have grown up within the Hockettes program, starting at the beginner levels and progressing through the ranks over several years until reaching the Junior level. We also proudly welcome skaters from out of state and around the world. Over the years, our Junior team has included skaters from countries such as Finland, Sweden, Italy, Canada, and China.
Head Coach of Hockettes Junior Team:
Pam May pamela.may@annarborfsc.org
@hockettesjunior on Instagram and TikTok.
In 1956, the world’s first synchronized skating team was formed by Dr. Richard Porter, who became known as the "father of synchronized skating." Dr. Porter’s idea of precision skating (as it was originally called) came from observing young skaters trying to choreograph their steps and moves together. He brought a group of skaters together to see what they could do, marking the beginning of the first-ever precision skating team—the Hockettes.
In the early years, the Hockettes were known for performing between periods at University of Michigan hockey games and at Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club ice shows. As awareness of the Hockettes and the new sport grew within the skating community, more synchronized skating teams emerged, the sport expanded, and competitions began to take place.
Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club
2121 Oak Valley Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Phone: (734) 213-6768
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