Spencer Akira Howe

Quick Facts

• Specialty:  Pairs figure skating
• Started skating at age 9 after following his sister into the sport
• Transitioned from singles to pairs at age 18
• Enlisted in the United States Army in October 2024; participating in the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program
• Coaches both figure skating and hockey at The Skating Club of Boston
• Began partnership with Emily Chan in April 2019, Previously skated with Nadine Wang (2017-19) and Ami Koga for Japan

Biographical Information

Howe began figure skating in 2006 at age 9, inspired by his sister, who later became an ice dancer. He initially competed as a singles skater before transitioning to pairs at age 18, recognizing that his future in the sport lay in partnership skating.

His early pairs career included competing for Japan with partner Ami Koga. They appeared at two ISU Junior Grand Prix events in 2016. After that partnership ended, Howe teamed with Nadine Wang, finishing fourth in junior pairs at the 2018 U.S. Figure Skating Championships. Following their split shortly after, Howe moved from Saint-Leonard back to his hometown of Los Angeles, seriously considering retirement due to a recurring shoulder injury that had been causing him ongoing struggles. However, despite his injury concerns, Howe formed a partnership with Emily Chan in April 2019. 

The partnership achieved early success, capturing medals in free skate and short program despite Howe skating through persistent pain. The 2022-23 season brought breakthrough performances, achieving silver medals at national and international competition.

Throughout these achievements, Howe had been skating with what was eventually diagnosed as a torn labrum in his shoulder. In May 2023, Howe underwent surgery to repair the torn labrum.

The rehabilitation process proved more difficult than anticipated. The process of regaining full range of motion was arduous, and they were forced to withdraw from their Grand Prix assignments for the 2023-24 season.

They returned to competition at the 2024 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, winning the short program but withdrawing before competing in free skate. In his statement, Howe explained that the short program was "a big success for us, and a huge milestone to our comeback, but we feel we want to take this time to continue to get healthy and set ourselves up for success." Despite the withdrawal, they were named to the American team for the 2024 World Figure Skating Championships in Montreal, where they finished twelfth overall.

In October 2024, Howe made a significant life decision by enlisting in the United States Army, subsequently joining the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program. This program allows elite athletes to serve their country while continuing to train and compete at the highest levels. 

Beyond skating, Howe coaches both figure skating and hockey at The Skating Club of Boston, sharing his expertise and experience with the next generation. 

World Championships Experience

• Most recent: 2024 – 12th (Pairs - Mixed)
• Years of participation: Pairs - Mixed 2023, 2024
• Top finish: 5th – 2023 (Pairs - Mixed)