A Texas figure skating coach previously linked to training U.S. Winter Olympics gold medalist Amber Glenn faces arrest on charges of sexual assault and indecency with a child.
Arrest and Charges
Benjamin Shroats, 47, was taken into custody at his home on Wednesday following reports of inappropriate relationships with two young athletes. Authorities launched an investigation on February 15 after receiving a complaint detailing the alleged misconduct, including one relationship that reportedly began when the athlete was a minor.
Shroats, associated with the Dallas Figure Skating Club, remains in custody at the Collin County Detention Center. Officials set his bond at $100,000 for each charge.
Connection to Amber Glenn
Shroats once coached Amber Glenn, the bisexual and pansexual figure skater who became the first openly queer woman to represent Team USA. Glenn helped secure gold in the team event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, earlier this month.
No evidence links Glenn to the allegations against Shroats.
Dallas Figure Skating Club Response
The Dallas Figure Skating Club issued a statement emphasizing child safety as its top priority: “We know news like this is upsetting, and we want our families to know we take concerns involving our members and the adult coaches who train them very seriously. The safety and welfare of children is our top priority.”
The club clarified its role: “Dallas Figure Skating Club does not hire, employ, or supervise coaches. All coaches who provide private lessons do so as independent coaches, and lesson arrangements are made directly between families and the coach. In addition, the Club does not own, operate, or manage any ice rinks.”
The statement urged anyone with information to contact the Allen Police Department and expressed respect for the ongoing investigation.
Glenn’s Recent Performances
Glenn, part of Team USA’s ‘Blade Angels’ trio, placed 13th after a challenging short program in the women’s singles event, advancing to the free skate on Thursday. She recently announced a social media break due to intense backlash after criticizing former President Donald Trump’s stance on the LGBTQ+ community.
