Nicole Fess of Phelps, New York, was first invited to volunteer with Special Olympics New York’s Silver Blades figure skating team in 2011. Quickly falling in love with the athletes and the organization, she became the team’s head coach. Continuing her involvement with the Program as an intern, she is now employed by Special Olympics New York as a regional associate director of the program. In 2022, she attended the Special Olympics USA Games as a support staff member for the Special Olympics New York delegation. In the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, she will serve as the figure skating head coach for Special Olympics USA.
When she is not coaching, Nicole spends time with her husband, her daughter and her two dogs. Her husband, Tyler, is a hockey coach and shares in Nicole’s love for working with Special Olympics athletes. Together, they provide opportunities for athletes to showcase ability over disability.