Maria Manley

Meet Maria

Maria’s passion for skating began at the age of four. Currently from Minneapolis, Minnesota, she grew up in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, as well as Big Lake, Minnesota. She began her synchronized skating career with Wisconsin Edge, competing on the Pre-Preliminary and Preliminary teams, before continuing her career with the Northernettes, where she is entering her seventh season.

Throughout her synchronized skating career, Maria has competed across multiple levels, including Intermediate, Novice, Junior, and Collegiate teams. She has cross-skated between several levels, gaining a wide range of competitive experience. Maria has represented Team USA internationally in Poland, Austria, and Finland and has earned multiple honors, including the Mozart Cup Bronze Medal, a Midwestern Novice silver medal, 3X Collegiate Midwestern silver medal, and U.S. Collegiate National medals (silver, bronze, and pewter). She has also passed her Senior Moves in the Field and Senior Solo Free Dance tests.

Alongside her competitive career, Maria is entering her fourth year as a coach with the Northernettes. She has spent the past three seasons coaching the Juvenile team and will be coaching the Intermediate team this upcoming season. Maria is passionate about helping athletes grow both on and off the ice, creating an environment where confidence, skill development, and teamwork are prioritized.

Maria is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Activity and Health Promotion with a minor in Sports Coaching at the University of Minnesota, with plans to continue her education in athletic training. In addition to coaching, she works as a Program Assistant in Member Services at the University of Minnesota Recreation and Wellness Center and is currently studying to become a certified personal trainer.

  • Maria has been coaching synchronized skating for 4 years, primarily working with athletes ages 10-14. She has coached the Juvenile level for three seasons and will be coaching the intermediate level in the upcoming season. Coaching has allowed Maria to build strong relationships with her athletes while helping them develop both technical skills and confidence. She values creating an environment where athletes feel supported, challenged, and motivated to improve each day.

  • Maria's coaching philosophy is centered on athlete development and creating a positive growth-oriented environment. She believes success goes beyond competition results and includes personal growth, effort, and overall experience of each athlete.

    In her coaching practice, Maria emphasizes skill mastery, mental resilience, and teamwork. she incorporates goal setting, reflection, and "process wins" to help athletes focus on improvement rather than perfection. She also strives to adapt her coaching style to each athlete's individual needs, recognizing that every skater learns differently.

    Her goal is to help athletes build confidence, develop strong habits, and gain skills that extend beyond skating, while fostering a lifelong appreciation for the sport.

  • Synchronized Skating

    Skating Skills (Moves in the Field)

  • Bachelor of Science in Physical Activity and Health Promotion (Expected Spring 2027) Minor in Sports Coaching, University of Minnesota Associate of Arts, Normandale Community College

  • Maria is currently accepting new students.

  • Email: mariamckennamanley@gmail.com

    Mobile: 763-402-6411

Maria’s Accomplishments and Awards

  • Team USA International Competitor (Poland, Austria, Finland)

  • Mozart Cup Bronze Medalist

  • Midwestern Novice Silver Medalist

  • 3X Collegiate Midwestern Silver Medalist

  • U.S. Collegiate National Medalist (Silver, Bronze, Pewter)

  • Senior Moves in the Field - Passed

  • Senior Solo Free Dance - Passed

  • Northernettes Phil Ernst Hardest Worker Award

Maria’s Student's Competitive Achievements

U.S. Championships Competitors

Sectional Competitors

Local Competitors

- Achievements are as individual competitors or team competitors. -

More about Maria

  • CPR and First Aid Certified

  • U.S. Figure Skating Compliant Coach Program Assistant

  • University of Minnesota Recreation and Wellness Center (Member Services)

  • Currently studying to become a Certified Personal Trainer

  • Leadership training experience working with youth ages 6-16