About Darlene
Darlene Sparks has more than 30 years of coaching experience in US Figure Skating. She understands that athletes require more than just physical ability and technical training to reach their full potential in sports.
Over three decades of competitive experience, now dedicated entirely to helping skaters reach their full potential.
Her Story
From the ice to the coaching boards.
Darlene has more than 30 years of coaching experience in US Figure Skating. She understands that athletes require more than just physical ability and technical training to reach their full potential in sports. Darlene holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, a Paralegal certificate, and she currently serves as the Director of Operations at Unity Ice Academy.
Over the years, Darlene has built a roster of students who have gone on to compete at the regional, sectional, national levels and Olympic levels.
Now based in the Southern California area, Darlene continues to guide the next generation of figure skaters. She works with skaters from age 5 and up. From those stepping onto the competitive circuit for the first time to athletes pursuing national titles. Her approach is deeply personal: she believes that the best coaching happens when a skater feels truly seen, supported, and challenged in equal measure.
Credentials & Certifications
A foundation built on expertise.
30+ Years Coaching Experience
Working with competitive skaters at all levels
Competition Coach
Coached skaters at regional, sectional, national, and international competitions
USFS Grievance Committee Member
United States Figure Skating Grievance Committee member, 2016–2018
1988 Winter Olympics Coach
Coach at the 1988 Winter Olympics for a Mexican figure skater
Safe Sport Certified
Certified in SafeSport training and athlete protection
CPR Certified
Current CPR certification
First Aid Certified
Current First Aid certification
AED Certified
Current AED certification
Ice Show & Competition Event Planner
Accomplished planner of ice shows and competition events
Team Travel & Budget Management
Managing figure skating team travel and budgets for competition season
Program Development & Management
Develop and manage programs in Learn to Skate USA, Freestyle, Synchronized Skating, and off-ice strength and conditioning with an amazing team of industry professionals
What I Believe
Coaching is a relationship, not a transaction.
Technical Excellence
Solid fundamentals are the foundation of everything. We never skip the basics — we build on them, refine them, and return to them throughout a skater's career.
Artistic Authenticity
Every skater has a unique voice on the ice. My job is to help you find yours — not to impose a style, but to draw out what's already there.
The Whole Skater
What happens off the ice matters as much as what happens on it. I coach the person, not just the athlete — with attention to mindset, confidence, and long-term wellbeing.
Ready to train with Darlene?
Reach out to start a conversation about your goals and how we can work together.