When the Sunshine State Figure Skating Club launched its Learn to Skate Homeschool Program in November 2023, no one could have predicted that it would grow from five curious skaters to a vibrant community of more than 60 athletes. What began as a simple effort to serve homeschooling families has since evolved into something much bigger — a reminder of what can happen when young skaters are given the time, space and encouragement to discover their passion on the ice.

The idea behind the program was simple: offer skating during hours when most kids are sitting in traditional classrooms, creating a space for homeschoolers to build community.

"The program is designed to fit into the homeschool schedule and provide an opportunity for beginner to intermediate level skaters, pre-school to parents, to stay active and social with other homeschoolers," said Jenna Dispenza, Sunshine State FSC's president and AdventHealth Center ice skating director.

Word spread quickly. Today, the program includes skaters from Basic 1 through 6 and continues to grow each session.

The success of the homeschool program paved the way for additional pathways aimed at keeping skaters engaged as they advance.

One is the Junior Champions Aspire program, launched in 2020 as a bridge from Learn to Skate USA into figure skating.

"The focus is on helping athletes build strong, well-rounded fundamentals by rotating through jumps, spins and skating skills stations," Dispenza said.

The Junior Champions program began with a small group taking short on and off-ice lessons, but it has since expanded to roughly 70 skaters across three levels, all preparing for more advanced training and competitive opportunities.

The organization's synchronized skating program, Achieve Synchro, has grown right alongside Junior Champions. The program introduces athletes to the teamwork and artistry of synchronized skating while grouping skaters by level and providing structured, purposeful training.

Since launching with a single team in 2022, the club has expanded to as many as three U.S. Figure Skating teams and two Aspire teams in recent seasons. Their Aspire 2 team even brought home the gold at the Porter Classic — a testament to the skaters' daily hard work and commitment.

"Synchronized skating has become a favorite pathway for athletes who thrive in a team environment," Dispenza said. "And it offers students pursuing a degree the opportunity to continue to skate while in college, helping foster long-term connection and supporting skaters who want to remain active in the sport."

One of the club's standout moments came last year, when Sunshine State FSC hosted its second synchronized skating competition. The event drew teams from Florida and Georgia, as well as clubs from North Carolina, Maryland and Virginia.

 "Our recent synchro competition was a blast," Dispenza said.

While the logistics of hosting a large event brought its challenges, the chance to welcome new skaters and coaches made the effort worthwhile. The weekend also overlapped with AdventHealth Center Ice's Halloween celebration, inspiring several teams to arrive in coordinated costumes, showcasing an unexpected display of camaraderie and creativity.

Much of the skating club's success can be traced to its collaborative model. Rather than operating independently, the club maintains a close working relationship with its home rink, AdventHealth Center Ice. The rink runs most programming, allowing the club to focus on skater and parent education, support and events.

"The club supports all members on and off the ice throughout their personal skating journey and life goals, an approach that strengthens not only athletic development but continues to shine through building confidence, character and life skills," Dispenza said.

For Sunshine State FSC, growth has never been about numbers alone — it's about creating an environment where skaters feel supported and celebrated at every stage.

For homeschooling families seeking opportunities that align with their daily rhythm, the club offers something rare: a program that respects their schedule while providing professional coaching and clear pathways for advancement. No matter which direction skaters choose, the club encourages them to pursue what inspires them, demonstrating that the strongest programs are built on connection and a commitment to helping every athlete thrive.

From its early days with just a handful of participants, the club has now expanded to more than 300 members. The year ahead is already full, with a winter show, a Synchronized Sectionals send-off and the annual May banquet celebrating athlete achievements.

Beyond the calendar, Dispenza said the club remains grounded in the values that it had from the start — meeting families where they are, nurturing talent and building a community that lasts well beyond the rink.