Mercyhurst University Figure Skating, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, started out as a student-led organization with only one skater: Autumn Martin. She saw a great need for something bigger at Mercyhurst. She noticed a lot of interest from the student body and demand for instruction in figure skating. Autumn brought the idea to the Athletic Department and after much deliberation, they were able to make the organization into an Athletic Department-sponsored club team. 
The figure skating program has come far in the past three years, starting out with one passionate member to growing into a team of 12 talented skaters with all different levels and backgrounds. Mercyhurst continues to grow the team through attending local competitions, community involvement, and getting the name out on social media. Even during the challenging times of COVID-19 lock downs and limitations, they participated in U.S. Figure Skating webinars and flash talks for high school skaters and conducted their own Zoom info sessions for prospective students.
The team continues to improve and grow together. They have three to four practices a week, each practice being two hours long. Mercyhurst University is fortunate to have a rink located on campus and in short walking distance for students. All practices and lessons overseen by head coach, Anna Zelina, are free of charge for team members, which makes participating financially manageable on a college student's budget. Each year, the team participates in fundraising and team bonding events, like team dinners and move nights. Sharing time together outside of the rink and away from schoolwork has really helped in creating friendships and relieving stress. Although COVID-19 delayed the team's first intercollegiate competition season, they are excited and anxiously awaiting to compete in the 2021-22 season, starting with the Princeton University competition in February!