Vacaville Ice Sports Inspires Future and Present Champions

Olympian Alysa Liu's gold medal win sparks excitement at local rink where she trains

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Vacaville Ice Sports, the only ice skating rink in Solano County, has become a hub for aspiring and accomplished skaters alike. The rink's staff and patrons were thrilled to watch Alysa Liu, a local Olympic gold medalist, claim victory in the women's figure skating event at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The rink's general manager, Ashley Adema, and other staff members expressed pride in Liu's achievement and believe it inspires the young skaters who use the same ice. The rink offers figure skating, hockey, and open skating sessions, catering to skaters of all levels.

Why it matters

Vacaville Ice Sports serves as a community hub that nurtures the dreams of aspiring athletes, providing them with the opportunity to train and compete at the highest levels. Liu's gold medal win at the Olympics showcases the rink's role in developing future champions and highlights the impact that local sports facilities can have on inspiring the next generation of athletes.

The details

Vacaville Ice Sports is the only ice skating rink in Solano County and offers a variety of programs, including figure skating, hockey, and open skating sessions. The rink's staff and patrons were overjoyed to watch Alysa Liu, a local Olympian who often practices at the facility, win the gold medal in the women's figure skating event at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The rink's general manager, Ashley Adema, and other staff members believe that Liu's success on the Olympic stage inspires the young skaters who use the same ice. The rink also hosts youth hockey programs, and some of its alumni, like Ben Kevan, have gone on to play at the collegiate and professional levels.

  • Alysa Liu won the gold medal in the women's figure skating event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • Vacaville Ice Sports has been operating as the only ice skating rink in Solano County since it opened.

The players

Alysa Liu

An American figure skater who won the gold medal in the women's event at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Liu often practices at Vacaville Ice Sports, the only ice skating rink in Solano County.

Ashley Adema

The general manager of Vacaville Ice Sports, who has been working at the rink since 2019 and became the general manager four years ago.

Tony Manino

The youth travel hockey director at Vacaville Ice Sports, who oversees the rink's hockey programs.

Leslie Hernandez Bautista

The marketing director at Vacaville Ice Sports, who emphasizes the rink's role in inspiring young skaters and providing a foundation for their dreams.

Citlalli Chavez

A skater who recently returned to the sport and practices at Vacaville Ice Sports, with the goal of potentially performing professionally, such as with Disney on Ice.

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What they’re saying

“It's unique, and we're proud of her. It shows all the people here that this skater uses the same ice that they do, and I believe that inspires them. I don't know how many of them have seen Liu practice here, but I'm sure they're in awe when they do.”

— Ashley Adema, General Manager, Vacaville Ice Sports

“I love seeing the athletes and their medals, but more than anything, turning their dreams into reality. She skates here, I want to say, every single Sunday. When others see her, I think it humanizes them a little bit. I mean, she puts her pants on one leg at a time just like them and uses this ice rink just like them.”

— Tony Manino, Youth Travel Hockey Director, Vacaville Ice Sports

“Seeing an Olympian practicing on the same ice where our Skate School students take their first steps shows that those dreams are real and attainable, even right here at Vacaville Ice Sports. It's proof to our young skaters that big goals can grow right here at their local rink.”

— Leslie Hernandez Bautista, Marketing Director, Vacaville Ice Sports

“For anyone else on the fence thinking about skating, I would just say not to be afraid of making mistakes. Eventually, you'll get better.”

— Citlalli Chavez, Skater, Vacaville Ice Sports

What’s next

The rink is offering a new 10-week Skate School semester beginning on March 17, providing an opportunity for aspiring skaters to develop their skills and potentially follow in the footsteps of Olympians like Alysa Liu.

The takeaway

Vacaville Ice Sports serves as a community hub that nurtures the dreams of aspiring athletes, providing them with the opportunity to train and compete at the highest levels. The rink's role in developing future champions, like Olympian Alysa Liu, showcases the impact that local sports facilities can have on inspiring the next generation of athletes.