Above: Lynn Benson is inducted into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2014.
Lynn Benson, considered the “mother of synchronized skating” and founder of the powerhouse Haydenettes, passed away on Aug. 7, 2025, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was 76.
Benson founded Haydenettes Synchronized Skating in 1979 to encourage young skaters to continue competing in the sport of figure skating.
“As the founder of Hayden Synchronized Skating, Lynn was one of the greatest pioneers for synchro — a true legend and inspiration to all of us,” said Saga Krantz, director of synchronized skating for Hayden Synchronized Skating Teams and Benson’s successor.
“No doubt, those who met her would all agree that she knew exactly how to create magic on the ice and push us to be better both on and off the ice. Her smile and leadership will always be remembered and admired. Once, Always.”
After a singles career at The Skating Club of Boston, Benson embarked on a coaching career that spanned 32 years, all in Lexington, Massachusetts.
For 26 of those years, Benson focused on the development of synchronized skating and the Haydenettes. Benson’s senior teams won 15 of the 22 U.S. Synchronized Championships in which they competed and earned a top-five finish at the first five consecutive ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships.
Benson’s Haydenettes performed during the lighting of the holiday tree at New York’s Rockefeller Center and were prominently featured performing on New York’s Wollman Rink during live broadcasts of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
In 2003, Benson became the first synchronized skating coach to be named Coach of the Year by both U.S. Figure Skating and the Professional Skaters Association.
Upon her retirement in 2005, Benson helped select Krantz, who continues the goal of excellence on an international level.
Benson also went on to serve as Team USA team leader at many international events.
In 2010, she helped present the Haydenettes’ with their first World medals.
In 2014, Benson was the first synchronized skating coach or athlete to be named to the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame.
In 2015, Benson stepped in to coach for a pregnant Krantz at the Grand Prix Final. It was the first time synchronized skating had been included in a Grand Prix event.
A tribute to Benson will appear in the Fall issue of SKATING magazine.
