For many families, especially those balancing faith, family life, and traditional values, pursuing high-level sports has often come at a cost — physically, financially, or spiritually. But one global platform is changing that.

Victory Sport Academy (VSA) is redefining athletic training by delivering Olympic-level coaching entirely online. Having completed over 21,000 live sessions with students across more than 35 countries, VSA has established itself as a trusted leader in virtual sports education. We spoke with founder Victoria Drazdova, a former professional skater and respected figure skating coach, to learn how VSA empowers young athletes to develop their skills without compromising their family values or daily routines.

Q: Victoria, How did your own background as an athlete influence the way you built VSA?

I’ve lived the athlete’s journey firsthand — the long hours, the highs and lows, and the moments when progress felt just out of reach. As the creator of the “21-Day Off-Ice Jump Challenge,” which has become one of the most widely followed off-ice training programs among skaters worldwide, I’ve seen how structured, focused training can unlock potential quickly and sustainably.

My experience competing at the highest levels, combined with my coaching guidelines for international skating schools, showed me what world-class coaching really looks like — and how rare it is to find that kind of guidance accessible to every athlete. Being invited to speak at skating development seminars has deepened my commitment to sharing best practices and raising the bar for coaching worldwide. VSA is the realization of that vision: connecting dedicated athletes with coaches who truly understand their journey and can guide them step by step — no matter where they train.

Q: Many of our readers live in communities where modesty, structure, and family time are priorities. How does your model support that?
That’s one of the things we hear most often — especially from observant families. Our sessions are live, but private. That means no group changing rooms, no exposure to environments that might conflict with family values, and full control over when and how kids train.

Because we work with athletes in many religious and cultural settings, our coaches are also trained to be respectful of dress codes, scheduling around Shabbat or holidays, and ensuring a calm, supportive tone in every session. We’re here to empower young people in a way that aligns with — not disrupts — their values.

Q: Sports can be intense. How do you balance performance goals with emotional well-being?
That’s the heart of what we do. Yes, our coaches have trained national champions and international medalists, but we don’t treat every child like they’re trying to make the Olympics — unless they want to. Every athlete has different goals. Some want to compete. Others just want to build confidence, focus, or fitness. We support all of it.

Especially for kids in high-pressure environments — whether it’s school, religious study, or family responsibilities — it’s important that training doesn’t feel like a burden. Our sessions are short, personalized, and encouraging. We want young athletes to leave every class feeling stronger, not more stressed.

Q: Have you seen this model work for students in more religious or traditional communities?
Absolutely. We’ve worked with students in small towns, big cities, and observant communities across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Some families appreciate the privacy. Others love the flexibility to train after school or before Shabbat. And many are surprised by how quickly their kids improve — even without stepping foot in a gym.

One parent told us, “We never thought our daughter could pursue skating seriously without compromising our values. Now she’s progressing faster than ever — and she’s doing it from our living room.”

Q: What advice would you give to parents who want to support their child’s athletic potential — but within a value-driven lifestyle?
Start where you are. You don’t need to uproot your family or break the budget. What matters most is consistency, the right mindset, and guidance from a coach who understands your goals.

We believe that athletic growth should never come at the expense of faith, family, or mental health. With the right support, your child can thrive — not just as an athlete, but as a whole person. And that’s the kind of success that lasts.

About Journalist

Jacob Maslow is a legal affairs journalist and digital publisher with over two decades of experience covering complex stories at the intersection of law, family rights, and public interest. He is the founder of several news platforms and has contributed investigative and opinion pieces to leading publications worldwide. Based in Jerusalem and New Jersey, Jacob’s reporting draws from his background in government oversight, media strategy, and online reputation management. He focuses on amplifying underreported stories and protecting journalistic freedom in an evolving legal landscape.