David De Fazio

Education:

• M.A. in Sustainable Peace Through Sport – International University of Monaco & United Nations-Mandated University for Peace

• B.A. in Liberal Studies – Thomas Edison State University

   

Notable Skating Achievements:

• 2007 Swiss National Champion in Ice Dance

• ISU Championships & Senior International Competitor

• Ranked in top 100 in ISU World Standings (2007-2009)

• Member Swiss National Team (2006-2009)

• Performed in ice shows throughout North America, Europe and Australia 

 

raining History:

• Ice dance: Trained under Olympic coaches Martin Skotnicky (2006-2007 Oberstorf, Germany) and Muriel Boucher-Zazoui & Romain Haguenauer (2008-2009 Lyon, France); Choreography by Pasquale Camerlengo (2005-2009) and Kelly Johnson (2002-2004)

• Freestyle: Trained under Olympic coaches Doug Leigh and Robert Tebby (2000-2002 Barrie, Canada) and Olympian Karen Courtland Kelly (1997-2000 Lake Placid, NY)

 

Coaching Experience:

• 15 years of experience teaching freestyle, moves in the field, ice dance and choreography; teaches power skating to hockey players

• Has been primary coach of USFS Gold Medalists in Freestyle, Moves in the Field and Ice Dance

• Coach and/or partner for dozens of passing gold/international level ice dance tests with 100% success rate at that level since 2011

• Union College Learn To Skate Director (2021-present)

• Founding Director of The Skating Collaborative, a year-round skating school offering beginner and advanced group and private lessons to youth and adults (www.theskatingcollaborative.com)

   

 

Coaching Philosophy:

To foster critical thinking, attention to detail and self-awareness in athletes as they strive to master progressively harder skills. These qualities are found not only in successful athletes, but high achievers in a wide range of fields. When cultivating these qualities is the priority, sport can provide a profound return on investment for its participants.