Cherise Wilkins is a Level 2 US Speedskating certified coach who has been coaching the sport over 10 years. 

As a skater, Coach Cherise competed internationally at some of the most elite levels of the sport, including the World Cup and Olympic Trials. 

One of the Syracuse Speedskating Club’s most decorated skaters, she won many awards during her career, including multiple National and North American Championships. Most recently, in 2023, she set new National Age Group Short Track Speedskating records in three distances and was named Masters National Champion in 2018, 2019, and 2023.  She is a USA Long Track Masters Team Member.

In addition to coaching speedskaters, Coach Cherise trains first-time marathon runners. Her coaching philosophy is to encourage and support all athletes as they reach for their goals.

Karl Hughes is a Level 1 US Speedskating certified coach.

 Karl first put on skates in 1963. After many years of playing hockey, he tried speed skating in 2008 with his son, and has been speed skating ever since. He has been a USS certified coach since 2020, and won his age group at Nationals in 2022.   He competes in Short Track with the Masters International Skating Union and is a National USA Speed Skating Masters Team Member.

Tim Knapp

Director/Coach

Tim is a Level 1 US Speedskating Certified Coach.

Kate Stewart

Director/Coach

Kate Stewart is a Level 1 US Speedskating Certified Coach.

Kate began skating with the Syracuse Speedskating Club in 1990.  She won the Short Track Nationals for her age group in 2000 and 2018.  She competes in both short and long track with the Masters International Skating Union and is a National USA Speed Skating Masters Team Member.