Born and raised in Canada and skating since the age of 4. I am a gold test figure skater and I have a degree in Physical Education from the University of Calgary. I taught Physical Education in California (K - 12) and coached a variety of sports for 6 years prior to the birth of my second child. At that point I decided to focus on my lifelong dream of coaching skating and being able to pass on the knowledge that was given to me throughout the over 30 years of skating lessons, competitions and self study. I have lived and breathed ice skating since the time I was born (with a rink in the back yard). I was a competitive figure skater for over 10 years and was taught by some of the best in Canada ( Eva Vasak and Winnie Silverthorne) and over time have developed an extreme passion for the sport. My brother played over 1000 games with the Chicago Blackhawks and now is with the 2007 Stanley Cup Champions, the Anahein Ducks. So, needless to say, when I wasn't on the ice myself, I was at a hockey game somewhere.
In college, I had the opportunity to work with a hockey coach and power coach at U of C that helped me develop a better understanding of hockey and power skating that , along with my back ground in figure skating, gave me a very sound foundation in the "art" (sport) of skating. Skating is not only visual, but auditory and a feeling. I like my skaters to not only mechanically feel their stride, but hear it and see it on the ice................the ice does not lie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My background in kinesiology allows me to biomechanically and physiologically break down the skating element and explain to the skater what is happening, both internally and externally.As we go through the stages of stride development and proper technique, I am able to break down individual areas and address them, creating a skater that is both more technically correct and powerful .My classroom teaching experience has become invaluable when it comes to being able to handle students of all ages and abilities and effectively convey the principles that need to be learned in an organized and disciplined fashion.
On a personal note, I am the mother of 3 very active children, 12, 9 and 7 and have been married for 14 years to my husband, Greg. I am currently on the Board of the Houston Junior Aeros and my role is in player development. I run hockey camps twice a year with members of my family (the nephews) and try to play a little golf. I teach power skating and figure skating at the Aerodrome which is located in north Houston. I love what I do and have had the privilege of working with a lot of great young players. It has been very rewarding to see my students make such great progress in the game.
I do my best every single time I step on the ice, and I expect my students to do the same.
Andrea Besson
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