Elite Coaching for Figure skating Athletes

WHOLE ATHLETE. WHOLE PERSON.

Success isn’t only measured in medals. It's the discipline, confidence, and joy athletes carry with them, on and off the ice.

BALANCING

POISE & POWER

Oka Skating Academy was founded in 2020 after years of Mallory building programs, coaching numerous disciplines at a wide range of levels, and seeing firsthand what strong leadership can do for a skating community. After growing successful programs in East Grand Forks, helping develop synchronized skating teams, and co-founding Team North Dakota through the non-profit North Dakota Collegiate Synchronized Skating, she felt called to bring that same passion and structure into something new.

In 2023, Oka expanded into two branches—separating our figure skating program and our hockey powerskating program to better support each athlete group.

What began as a focus on power skating quickly grew into something more. Oka expanded into a full main season program in Williston, built on skill development, discipline, and a genuine love for the sport. As the program grew, so did our coaching team—along with additional coaching opportunities, camps, and club leadership consulting, all centered around helping skaters and programs move forward with purpose.

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The coaching staff is so kind and wonderful and knowledgeable. They accomplish so much in a season. My kiddos learned so much all well having a good time and finished the season wanting more!

- Paula, Remy's mom



Why we're different:

Oka Figure Skating is driven by providing a nurturing environment where skaters transform into well-rounded, confident athletes, ensuring they have access to top-tier coaching and opportunities. 

our passion lies in shaping better athletes and better humans.

FOUNDER & WILLISTON PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Mallory Jevning

Mallory leads Oka Skating Academy’s program development and athlete progression across figure skating. She works closely with skaters and supports the coaching team to build strong technical foundations, clear development pathways, and a training environment centered on growth.

Her approach is rooted in experience—but also in a turning point early in her coaching career. In her twenties, through coach training and development opportunities, she was exposed to a level of skating technique she hadn’t experienced during her own competitive career.

As she began applying these advanced concepts to her own skating, her skills progressed quickly—and it changed the way she viewed long-term athlete development. From that point on, she was all in—driven to share that knowledge with others and help skaters reach levels they may not have thought possible, especially when given the right tools early on.

With over 15 years of coaching experience, Mallory has worked with athletes at every level, from beginner to collegiate competitors at the national level. Her love for edges, power, dance, synchro, and skating skills really blossomed when she was exposed to the advanced concepts (mentioned earlier), and she focused on completing her testing goals. With freestyle skills extending beyond test level, Mal has a strong knowledge base of numerous spins and development, and experience landing double jumps, helping figure skaters grow in testing and component development.

As the academy has grown, so has her role in supporting and developing the coaching team—ensuring that Oka athletes receive consistent, intentional, and high-quality instruction across the entire team.

Outside of skating, which she has turned into her full-time career, she enjoys spending time with her family, especially with her son, going for walks, or cleaning and organizing something (she loves to feel accomplished)!

MEET YOUR COACHES

Behind every confident skater is a coach who believes in them. Our U.S Figure Skating, certified coaches bring years of experience and guide athletes through tough moments; they know skating is about more than technique, but about building grit & confidence. All of our coachses are Safesport certified and background checked. 

OKA FIGURE SKATING COACH, WILLISTON, ND

WILLISTON PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Kass Gorder

Kass began skating later than most—during her freshman year of high school—after moving back to North Dakota. Starting with private lessons, she tested in skating skills and quickly worked through the Learn to Skate curriculum, mastering all single jumps and spin variations along the way. While her skating journey was focused more on developing a love for the sport than on test levels, she channeled that joy and energy into becoming a hockey cheerleader for the Central Knights. Over the years, Kass developed a deep love for figure skating, particularly synchronized skating and small-group lessons.

Kass is married to her husband, Brad, and together they have two children, Nolan and Nora. While Nolan's passion is basketball, Nora loves dance and figure skating, so Kass spends plenty of time at both the rink, the dance studio, and the basketball court.

Outside of skating, Kass brings over ten years of experience working with youth athletes—five of which have been dedicated to developing figure skating athletes. Before her skating career, she also served as a swim coach for the Williston Sea Lions, adding another chapter to her long history of nurturing young athletes. Today, Kass is a full-time Realtor, active in the local real estate industry, and currently serves on the City of Williston Planning and Zoning Commission. She also enjoys staying active with Peloton workouts, listening to audiobooks, and watching Hallmark movies (predictable endings and all!).

OKA FIGURE SKATING COACH, WILLISTON, ND

Brenna Freed

Brenna brings a wealth of experience to Oka Skating Academy, having been a member of Skate Canada throughout her amateur career. She advanced in Skills, Freeskate, and Junior Silver Dance, and competed regularly, placing among the top 3 at the elite Jean Norman competition. With a particular passion for jumps and spins, Brenna focused heavily on the technical side of skating during her amateur career, working through her double jumps—and she is thrilled to bring that expertise and enthusiasm to the Oka skating community. Brenna also skated for Stars on Ice, the Canadian version of Disney on Ice, and trained with Olympic Pairs skaters Patricia Hole, Paige Lawrence, and Rudi Swiegers.

With over 15 years of coaching experience spanning both volleyball and figure skating, Brenna has a deep and diverse background in developing athletes. She has coached volleyball club teams in West Virginia and Minot, ND, and has guided figure skating athletes in Canada as well as here in Williston with Oka Skating Academy. Before joining our team, she also coached CanSkate in Canada, bringing valuable training and perspective from the Skate Canada circuit to our program in the U.S.

As a former collegiate volleyball player and collegiate track and field athlete, Brenna brings strong knowledge in athletic development, power, and explosiveness—skills that directly support jump technique and performance on the ice.

Outside the rink, Brenna works as a Registered Nurse and stays busy with her three children. She still enjoys staying active, whether that means playing volleyball, spending time in the gym, or helping on the farm!

OKA FIGURE SKATING COACH, WILLISTON, ND

Emme Wolf

Emme’s journey into figure skating began at age 12, and she quickly progressed through the U.S. Figure Skating Basic Skills program. By high school graduation, she had developed into a dedicated skater who was diligently working toward her next tests while also coaching younger Basic Skills students and sharing her passion for the sport.

While in college, Emme coached in East Grand Forks, MN (where she first met Mallory) before eventually making Williston home. Emme is passionate about helping athletes refine their skills, build confidence, create memorable programs, and grow in discipline, resilience, and appreciation for the sport. She also draws on her background in pageants, dance, and years of coaching dance teams…bringing poise, performance quality, and showmanship to the ice.

Outside of the rink, Emme is a teacher at Williston High School. She enjoys curling up with a good book and her pup, Artie, spending time at the gym, or relaxing at home with her husband and son, while dinner is on the Traeger and dessert bakes in the oven!

OKA FIGURE SKATING COACH, WILLISTON, ND

Hailey

Hailey brings years of experience, energy, and a passion for helping skaters build confidence and develop strong technique.

She has been with Oka Skating Academy since 2021, originally joining our team to assist with hockey development. Having played hockey for many years and through the varsity level with the Williston Coyotes, it quickly became clear that her experience and teaching style were a perfect fit for our Snowplow Sam and Basic Skills skaters, where she loves helping athletes build confidence and master the fundamentals from the very beginning. With years of experience working in daycares and within the school system, Hailey brings patience, encouragement, and a natural ability to connect with young athletes.

Outside of the rink, Hailey is a proud mom of a beautiful young daughter and is excited to continue sharing her love for the ice with others. She brings the same warmth, energy, and care to the rink that she does in all areas of her life.

OKA FIGURE SKATING COACH, WILLISTON, ND

Lillian

Lillian brings grace, rhythm, and artistry to Oka Skating Academy through her strong competitive dance background. A current student at Williston High School and former varsity member of the Williston Wonderettes, she has developed a strong foundation in performance, teamwork, discipline, and precision.

Set to graduate in 2026, Lillian is excited to continue growing as both an athlete and coach while sharing her passion for movement and performance with younger skaters. She enjoys helping beginner skaters feel comfortable, learn the fundamentals, and have fun as they build new skills. Her background in dance brings energy, creativity, and a strong appreciation for movement to the rink.

Lillian’s positive attitude and encouraging nature make her a wonderful addition to our coaching team as she helps inspire the next generation of skaters.

Outside of the rink, Lilian is focused on her studies, spending time with friends and family and planning the next chapter of life! 

MAKE A DIFFERENCE. COACH WITH OKA.

Ready to find your place on the ice?

Every athlete, regardless of program affiliation, should have access to top-tier training that propels them to new heights of excellence. We aim to be the go-to resource for refined skill development and passion for the sport.