Coaching Great Lynn Benson Passes Away
Lynn Benson, considered a pivotal figure in the world of synchronized skating and the founder of the renowned team Haydenettes, passed away on August 7, 2025, following a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 76 years old and is remembered as the “mother of synchronized skating”.
In 1979, Benson established the Haydenettes Synchronized Skating with the aim of supporting young athletes in their pursuit of excellence in figure skating. Her legacy as a pioneer is deeply embedded in the sport.
“As the founder of Hayden Synchronized Skating, Lynn was one of the greatest pioneers for synchro—a true legend and inspiration to all of us,” remarked Saga Krantz, the director of synchronized skating for Hayden Synchronized Skating Teams and Benson’s successor. “Her ability to create magic on the ice and to encourage us all to achieve our best—both on and off the ice—will never be forgotten.”
Benson’s journey in figure skating began as a competitor at The Skating Club of Boston, and she embarked on her illustrious coaching career that spanned 32 years, all based in Lexington, Massachusetts. Over 26 of those years, she dedicated her efforts to the development of the Haydenettes. Under her guidance, the senior teams clinched 15 of the 22 U.S. Synchronized Championships and achieved top-five finishes in the inaugural five ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships.
Highlights of Benson’s career include performances by the Haydenettes during the holiday tree lighting at New York’s Rockefeller Center and their iconic routines featured on Wollman Rink during live broadcasts of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade.
In 2003, she made history by being named Coach of the Year by both U.S. Figure Skating and the Professional Skaters Association. After retiring in 2005, she entrusted the program to Krantz, inspiring international aspirations in synchronized skating.
Benson also represented Team USA as a team leader at several international events. In 2010, she proudly presented the Haydenettes with their first World medals, and in 2014, she was inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame, becoming the first synchronized skating coach to achieve this honor.
In 2015, she briefly returned to coaching for Krantz at the Grand Prix Final, marking the first time synchronized skating was included in such an event.
A tribute to Lynn Benson will be featured in the fall issue of SKATING magazine, celebrating a legacy that will continue to inspire generations of skaters.
