Spencer Howe Serving His Country While Chasing Skating Dreams
Pairs skater Spencer Howe has taken on the challenge of serving his country while pursuing his Olympic dreams as part of the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program (WCAP). Howe expressed how fulfilling this experience has been, offering a remarkable boost to his skating career.
The life of a professional figure skater is often a delicate balancing act between intensive training and various commitments. Many athletes opt for higher education or part-time jobs, all to support their pathways in competitive skating. For Spencer Howe, whose esteemed partnership with Emily Chan has earned him three U.S. pairs medals, balancing service and sport is now a reality as a Private Second Class (PV2) in the U.S. Army.
As an 88M Auto Transport Operator, Howe is part of a transportation logistics team, and his journey into the Army started when he learned about WCAP while recovering from surgery at the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center. “My roommate was once in it as a track and field runner,” said Howe, who represents The Skating Club of Boston.
WCAP aims to support soldier-athletes so they can train for elite competitions while fulfilling their military duties. It has been pivotal in launching successful military careers alongside Olympic aspirations. For example, five WCAP participants recently competed at the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, showcasing the program’s effectiveness.
Howe enlisted in the Army in October 2024 and began his military journey in February 2025. He stated, “Transitioning into a different skill set provided a fresh slate as I returned to skating.” This new outlook has catalyzed him to reset goals and ambitions in sport.
Looking toward the future, Howe plans to segue into a military chaplaincy, having already started his undergraduate education. “Completing a master of divinity degree is crucial for my role in the Chaplain Corps,” he said.
Despite the challenges of managing dual obligations, Howe acknowledges his military experience as invaluable. “It’s definitely a bigger responsibility,” he advised, adding, “Without doubt, I have no regrets.” His transformation serves as a beacon for aspiring athlete-soldiers, advocating that they should seize opportunities and embrace their unique journeys, just as he did in becoming the first figure skater in WCAP.
