Figure Skating and Snowboarding Communities Mourn the Loss of Influential Coach and Former U.S. National Competitor Kevin Spada
The figure skating world is grieving the sudden and tragic loss of Kevin Spada, a beloved coach, mentor, and former U.S. national competitor, whose death was reported on Friday, April 18, 2025. Spada, a longtime resident of Winnetka, Illinois, leaves behind a powerful legacy built over more than three decades of excellence, mentorship, and passion within the skating and snowboarding communities. As of now, no cause of death has been publicly disclosed.
Spada’s journey into the spotlight began in the early 1990s when he competed as a U.S. national figure skater. He made his mark in 1992, capturing the Novice National Ice Dance Championship alongside his partner Kate Black. Over the span of his competitive career, he graced the national stage five times, distinguishing himself with grace, discipline, and a fierce love for the sport.
Following his retirement from competitive skating, Spada seamlessly transitioned into coaching—an arena in which he would go on to inspire and shape the careers of countless young athletes. His coaching career spanned over 30 years, during which time he worked with skaters of all levels, including athletes who competed on the 2011–2012 U.S. National Team. His reputation for discipline, encouragement, and strategic insight made him one of the most respected coaches in the Greater Chicago area and beyond.
Spada operated his own professional figure skating coaching establishment in the Greater Chicago region, where he was known not just for producing elite athletes, but for nurturing personal growth and sportsmanship in every skater who stepped onto the ice under his guidance. His coaching often extended to snowboarding disciplines as well, bridging two winter sports communities through his passion and innovation.
In addition to his contributions on the ice, Spada held a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Indiana University Indianapolis, showcasing a multifaceted life that combined athletic prowess with academic achievement.
News of his untimely death spread swiftly through the figure skating and snowboarding worlds, prompting an outpouring of tributes from former students, fellow coaches, colleagues, and fans. Social media platforms quickly filled with heartfelt memories and expressions of gratitude from those whose lives were touched by his mentorship, encouragement, and friendship.
“Kevin changed my life. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” wrote one former student on Instagram. Another tribute read, “He was more than a coach—he was a second father, a guiding light, and an irreplaceable soul in our community.”
Despite the public mourning, Spada’s family has not yet issued a statement, choosing, for now, to grieve privately as they process this devastating loss.
As the community waits for further information regarding memorial services, many are already gathering informally to honor Spada’s memory at local rinks and training centers. Plans for a more formal tribute, potentially in the form of a memorial skating exhibition, are reportedly being discussed among his former students and coaching colleagues.
Kevin Spada’s death leaves a profound void—not only on the ice but in the hearts of those who knew him, learned from him, and loved him. His legacy will live on in the artistry and determination of every skater he mentored, and in the enduring warmth of the memories shared by a grieving community.
May Kevin Spada’s enduring passion for sport, his generous spirit, and his commitment to excellence never be forgotten.