EMU Today

Senior exercise science major and Honors College student Megan Slemp represented Team USA at the 2024 Nations Cup figure skating event in Bordeaux, France. Her team placed fourth in the world at the event while Slemp also placed third in the individual swing-skating category. A total of 41 teams from seven different countries competed.

Slemp began her figure skating journey at eight years old and has not stopped since. She skates 11 to 16 hours per week and has no off-season. Slemp also coaches at the Ice House Skating Academy, educating skaters on performing jumps and edge work while maintaining balance.

Slemp credits her success at the international level to her coach and mentor Michelle Hunt, who taught her how to skate, coach, and approach the world as an adult.

“She kept me in the sport when I almost quit in high school for mental health reasons,” stated Slemp. “She gave me a home and a support system at the rink.”

Hunt has enjoyed serving as a mentor to Slemp, as she has been able to witness and have a front-row seat to Slemp’s successes as a skater and individual.

“She is always improving herself and is a great role model for young people. I’m sure she will have many more years of success,” stated Hunt.

Outside of skating, Slemp attends EMU full-time as a commuting student and appreciates the opportunities the institution has given her, especially, her experiences in the Human Cadaver lab in the College of Health and Human Services. She describes herself as a visual learner and values how the lab allowed her to gain hands-on practice with muscle origins and insertions.

After she graduates from EMU in April 2024, Slemp plans to pursue a doctoral degree in physical therapy. She also intends to continue skating and coaching throughout graduate school. Slemp is aiming to represent Team USA in the 2026 Nations Cup.