Masters Academy International Welcomes Former US Olympian Sheryl Franks as Figure Skating Coach

1980 Games Pairs Skater and Lifelong Coach Brings Decades of Experience and Mentorship to Elite Athletic School’s Program

STOW, Mass. – April 8, 2026 – Masters Academy International (MAI) announced the appointment of Sheryl Franks, a 1980 Olympic pairs figure skater and highly respected instructor and choreographer, as a figure skating coach, further elevating MAI’s commitment to world-class training and athlete development.

A competitor at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, Franks brings nearly five decades of experience in figure skating, spanning elite competition, international performance, and coaching at every level of the sport. From 1977-1980, she competed on the international stage and represented the United States at the world level before transitioning into a professional skating career, including performing as a principal skater with Disney on Ice.

Since 1984, Franks has dedicated her career to coaching and choreography, helping shape generations of skaters. She has led learn-to-skate programs at Creative Skating Academy and Colonial Figure Skating Club—introductory programs designed to build foundational skating skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of the sport for athletes of all ages.

“Sheryl’s encouraging spirit, combined with her deep commitment to the sport and genuine care for her athletes, has left a lasting impression on me,” said Wendy Enzmann, MAI’s director of figure skating. “To now have her join MAI is incredibly special. She brings not only Olympic-level experience, but a lifelong dedication to developing skaters with heart, discipline, and joy.”

Franks is widely recognized not only for her accomplishments on the ice but also for her impact as an educator. Her program has been honored with a Professional Skaters Association Program of the Year distinction, reflecting her commitment to excellence in coaching and athlete development.

“I love seeing the direction I may have given to a student carry through their lives,” said Franks. “When they come back years later and thank me, that’s what it’s all about.”

At MAI, Franks sees an opportunity to be part of a transformational model for athlete development—one that brings together training, academics, and life balance in a single, supportive environment.

“As an Olympian and a coach who has seen families struggle to balance training, work, and life, MAI is a dream come true,” Franks said. “Having everything in one place for athletes and their families is truly special.”

Franks’ coaching philosophy centers on positivity, perseverance, and belief in oneself.

“To be happy in life, never give up, and always believe in your dreams—that’s what I want every athlete to take with them,” she said.

Her impact on the sport continues through the athletes she has mentored over the years, including Enzmann, highlighting a full-circle moment within the academy’s leadership team.

Originally from Massachusetts, Franks is a graduate of Lexington High School and currently resides in Waltham with her husband, John Adams. She is the proud mother of two children and enjoys spending time with her family and indulging her love of chocolate and ice cream.

About Masters Academy International: Masters Academy International (MAI) is an elite boarding and day school opening in Stow, Massachusetts, designed to redefine the student-athlete experience. MAI prepares students to think, train, and perform at professional standards by integrating pro-level coaching, top-tier academics, and comprehensive student development into one aligned model — ensuring students never have to compromise one for the other. The school is operated in partnership with Cognita, a global education leader with more than 100 premium private schools worldwide. MAI provides a structured pathway for students aspiring to compete at the collegiate and professional levels while excelling in the classroom and in life. Learn more at https://www.mastersacademyinternational.com/.

Media Contact: Joe Zarbano, Regan Communications on behalf of Masters Academy International, jzarbano@regancomm.com.