TORONTO – Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Athletics and Recreation is pleased to announce the appointment of Stefani Marotta as the new head coach of the TMU Bold figure skating team.

Marotta brings nearly 17 years of coaching experience to the Bold, along with a distinguished competitive background and a strong commitment to athlete development, well-being, and creating a positive team culture.

As a skater, Marotta was a Canadian National Junior Ladies Silver Medallist, an international competitor, and a member of the Canadian Junior National Team. Her experience competing at the national and international levels has provided her with a firsthand understanding of the dedication, resilience, and consistency required to succeed in high-performance figure skating.

Her coaching experience includes working as a Power Skating Coach and Edge Control Specialist, where she has helped athletes develop their skating skills and technical abilities. She is an NCCP-certified coach and a Certified Holistic Nutritionist, bringing a comprehensive perspective to athlete development.

Marotta also holds a Bachelor of Education and is an educator with the York Region District School Board, where she works in Physical Education and Special Education. Her experience in special education has further shaped her individualized approach to working with athletes.

"Leading with compassion and understanding that everyone has different needs is an important part of how I approach my work," said Marotta. "Managing a variety of students with different needs, while recognizing and building on their individual strengths, is something I have extensive experience with both in the classroom and on the ice. I believe that the same approach is important in coaching, where every athlete brings their own strengths, challenges, goals, and experiences."

Marotta's own experience as a national-level competitor has also influenced her philosophy as a coach. Reflecting on the coach who had the greatest impact on her skating career, she points to the lessons that extended well beyond technical development.

"The coach who had the biggest impact on my skating career was the one who helped me become a national medallist," said Marotta. "He taught me the importance of showing up every day, even when training was hard, and pushing through setbacks when I wasn't getting the results I wanted. Beyond the technical side of skating, he showed me that consistency, resilience, and trusting the process are what lead to long-term success. Those lessons have stayed with me throughout my career and continue to shape the way I approach coaching today."

As head coach, Marotta is looking forward to building a team environment where athletes are supported while being challenged to reach their potential.

"As the head coach of the TMU figure skating team, I'm most looking forward to building a positive, supportive, and hardworking team culture where every skater feels challenged to reach their potential," said Marotta. "I want to help athletes grow not only as skaters, but also as leaders, teammates, and individuals. I'm excited to celebrate their achievements, support them through challenges, and create an environment where they enjoy the process, build confidence, and take pride in representing TMU."

TMU Varsity and Competitive Clubs Coordinator Ryan Danziger is excited about the experience and perspective Marotta brings to the Bold figure skating program.

"Stefani brings a unique combination of high-level competitive experience, extensive coaching experience, and a deep understanding of individualized athlete development," said Danziger. "Her nearly 17 years of coaching, combined with her background as a national-level competitor, educator, and special education teacher, will be tremendous assets to our student-athletes. We are excited to welcome Stefani to TMU and believe her approach will help create a positive and supportive environment while continuing to build a competitive figure skating program."

Marotta will oversee the development and direction of the TMU Bold figure skating team, supporting athletes in their competitive pursuits while helping foster a team culture built on hard work, resilience, personal growth, and athlete well-being.

The Bold are excited to welcome Marotta to the TMU Athletics and Recreation community and look forward to the next chapter of TMU figure skating under her leadership.