On Tuesday afternoons, a group of about 20 Trinity students gather at The Rollercade roller rink for Trinity’s roller skating physical education class. Amber Lewis, class of ‘23 alum and skating fanatic, teaches the class, and for her, the roller skating class is more than just a P.E. credit or part-time job, it’s a part of her family.
Lewis’ father, Mark Lewis, started as a professor of computer science at Trinity in 2001. An avid skater, he took the opportunity to bring roller skating to Trinity, starting the roller skating P.E. course and teaching it for over 22 years.
When he stopped teaching at Trinity in 2024, the class needed a new teacher. Amber Lewis, having helped her dad with the course in the past and not wanting it to end, offered to take over. Since then, she has led roller skating every semester, teaching students of all skill levels.
Lewis said her passion for roller skating started at 3 years old, recounting fond memories of skating at The Rollercade with her father every week.
“It’s always been a good bonding activity with my dad. Even now, he’ll text me, ‘skating on Saturday?’ And I’ll meet up here with him,” Lewis said.
Continuing the roller skating class in her dad’s footsteps has been rewarding, Lewis said.
“It’s nice to be able to fulfill the legacy. I’m hoping one of these days my dad will be able to come to the class and be my unofficial TA, so that it can come full circle.”
Having learned so much about roller skating from her father, Lewis described the joy of imparting her knowledge to students in the class and watching them improve. She said that she wants students to learn not just the basics of skating, but turning, skating backwards and doing tricks, like crossovers and spins.
“Day one, I have students who are taking three minutes to finish a lap, and they can’t do it without falling or touching the wall the whole time,” Lewis said. “And by the end of the semester, I’ve got them doing crossovers and 20-second laps.”
Students of Lewis applauded her teaching skills. Laurel Miller, junior engineering major and student in the class, said that growing up in San Antonio, she was initially interested in the course because of her familiarity with The Rollercade. Despite starting out only knowing how to skate forward, she said her skill level has quickly progressed, and credited Lewis’ coaching.
“She gives you a visual demonstration and tells you where you want to lean your weight to get things done, so that’s been super helpful. I mean, I was able to figure out backwards skating in one day,” Miller said. “It’s totally worth it.”
The roller skating class is a fantastic combination of physical activity and community, Lewis said. Skating changed her life, providing both fun exercise and lifelong friends. Lewis said she has seen the positive effect of skating on others, adding that after two years of teaching, one of her favorite things is seeing former students still skating. Some have even joined her roller derby team.
“If this class does what it’s supposed to, you’re supposed to be addicted to skating,” Lewis said.
The continued generational commitment to this physical education class by Lewis and her father has kept roller skating alive at Trinity. If all goes to plan, Lewis said, students will return to The Rollercade year after year to enjoy the fulfilling community of roller skating.
*This article was updated on February 11, 2026
