About
Apogee (ap-o-gee noun: the highest point in the development of something;) is not just another hockey development and advising company. We provide an elite-level, personal and holistic development experience that focuses on the player’s individual goals while nurturing the well-being of them and their families. Whether you are interested in a dedicated, personalized development advisor and mentor, or simply are interested in intensive training opportunities, we provide one of the most
We work with some of the best in the business so you get the top talent in all areas of development. From on-ice speed development and enhanced skills and playmaking, to strength and conditioning, mental performance consulting, to even professional level blade profiling – no details are ignored. Our network of specialists, coaches and international professionals allow us to give you the best opportunity for success. Under the oversight and guidance of your personal development mentor, all you need to bring is the desire and the work ethic.
Meet Our Founder
Shannon Valerio
Shannon Valerio, MA, CSCS, is a former world class speed skater. She began competing at the age of seven and quickly rose to the national ranks, at one point having the fastest 100m of all women in the country. During her 20-year career in short-track and inline speed skating, she competed internationally, amassed 14 national titles and eventually landed a contract with a professional racing team. While in college, she took a brief hiatus to play hockey for the University of Denver Women’s team, where she played under exceptional coaches, eventually becoming a player-coach herself.
In 2010 she began training NCAA and professional hockey players off-ice part-time. In 2016 she formed Valerio Speed and Power Skating, now a division of Apogee Hockey, and made her way back to the ice, working with elite athletes by sharing on and off-ice skating methods learned during her time as an athlete at the Olympic Training Center. Over the past 10 years, she has coached high school, NCAA D1 and Stanley Cup champions, combining speed-specific training with hockey tactics she learned as both a high-level player and a student of the game.
In 2020, she left a successful career as an IT Director/Software Consultant to become a full-time speed and power skating coach. In her short-time working with primarily youth hockey players, she has established herself as the premier speed and power skating coach in Colorado, helping her athletes reach tremendous heights such as advancement to USA Hockey National Development camps, USHL and WHL draft selections, and NCAA commitments.
True to her Native American roots, Shannon values community and believes in giving back to the Native community as well as those less fortunate. She donates time throughout the year volunteering with camps and programs that support underprivileged populations.
Apogee Hockey is a registered minority owned, small disadvantaged company and SBA certified woman-owned business.
