By Samantha Bache

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you first got into skating?

My name is Kayla Michelle Cufone, born in 2002. I’m Italian, a proud quad/roller skater, and my dream is to skate the beautiful streets of Italy! I’m a love bug and a goofball if you get to know me.

I started skating when I was pretty young, but I didn’t fully commit to it as a sport. I remember wearing my mama’s inlines/rollerblades, which were three sizes too big, rolling around the narrow halls of my childhood home, getting yelled at for scuffing the floors and bumping into walls!

During my adolescence, I engaged in multiple extracurricular activities, consistently dancing, doing gymnastics, and figure skating on and off for a few years.

In 2023, after deciding to do something for myself while in an abusive relationship, I used my whole paycheck to buy a pair of Impala skates from the mall. I started skating a little, but it wasn’t until I met Ethan Scovill at the end of 2024 that I truly committed to the sport.

Ethan is a phenomenal athlete and skateboarder who has been training since he was a toddler. He’s the hardest worker I know and is credited for keeping me committed to skating. His family and skate crew have supported me on my journey.

I skated on my Impalas from 2023 to 2024, then transitioned to Sure Grips in 2025 and now into 2026!

You have a background in gymnastics, figure skating, and dance. How have these influenced your roller skating style?

Having a background in gymnastics, dance, figure skating, and some rollerblading has definitely helped me with tricks! My figure skating experience shines through when I do spins, gymnastics helps with my cartwheels, and dance influences the way I piece together a line or just have fun at the rink or on flat ground. Skating on rollerblades as a kid made the transition to quad/roller skating feel more familiar, even though they are quite different!

Who or what inspired you to start skating, especially on quads?

The inspiration to start skating, especially on quads, came from myself the day I bought my Impala skates. After not being consistently physically active for several years and wanting to do something for myself, I made that decision for a reason. Ethan Scovill, as I mentioned before, is my top inspiration for skating. His commitment and love for the sport inspire me every day. I'm also motivated by community members who support one another without judgment or competition.

What’s your favourite skating discipline (vert, street, tricks) and why?

If I had to choose, tricks would be my favourite discipline! I love all forms of quad skating because that’s what makes this sport so special. However, mapping out a trick is like solving a puzzle, and piecing together a line is incredibly satisfying and rewarding!

Can you describe your skating style in three words?

Adventurous, powerful, and passionate!

Have you faced challenges as a female skater in a male-dominated sport, and how did you overcome them?

As a female skater in a male-dominated sport, I've faced challenges and obstacles. When I first started skating, personal struggles made it hard to be at the skatepark. The presence of male, female, and non-binary skaters was intimidating, but I gradually built my self-confidence in skating. I’ve been “snaked” and tripped at the park, which can be discouraging, but I've learned that everyone has a right to be there, whether they’re just starting or very experienced. Showing up and trying, regardless of the outcome, has been the best thing for me.

Do you have a favourite memory or milestone from your skating journey so far?

milestone moment was realizing my progression and capabilities both inside and outside of skating. I treasure the experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve met within the skate community!

2025 was a year full of both skating highlights and major challenges. Looking back, what’s one lesson you’ve learned?

One lesson I learned in 2025 that will stick with me is that it’s ok to be scared but don’t live in fear.

You experienced serious injuries and even a car accident last year. How did you stay motivated to keep skating through all of this?

After sustaining multiple broken bones skating, including a radial head fracture, a broken hand that required corrective surgery and several narly concussions, I developed a newfound respect for the sport. Even with a level of fear when returning, each injury only motivates me to come back stronger. Watching playback footage helps me learn from my mistakes, so I can improve next time!

How has recovering from your hand surgery affected your approach to skating and your mindset in general?

Recovering from a broken hand and corrective surgery with a plate and 7 screw placements, has not been easy! This has been such a struggle financially, mentally and physically. In contrast to my radial bone fracture and concussions, I am working tirelessly to heal and get full mobility back in my hand. This experience has required me to relearn basic movements. I’m dedicated to healing and regaining full mobility, and I’m hopeful for a speedy recovery so I can get back to skating as soon as possible!

Revisiting some of your favourite skating clips for a re-edit must have been emotional—what was that experience like?

Looking back at clips for unreleased edits after my accident stirred up a lot of emotion. People often don’t realize just how much you pour into your skating.

How do you balance your passion for skating with the emotional ups and downs of life, especially after 2025?

Balancing my passion for skating with life’s ups and downs can be tough. I use skating as a huge outlet for coping, and what I go through often drives me to push for progress.

What advice would you give to other skaters, especially women, who might face serious injuries or setbacks?

To anyone in the skate community, especially women or people facing challenges, I say this: KEEP GOING, KEEP SKATING, and DON’T GIVE UP!

Looking forward, what are you most excited to accomplish in 2026, both on and off your skates?

In 2026, I’m most excited about growth. It’s always about growing and continuing to make myself and my loved ones proud.

Interview with Kayla Michelle Cufone

Ode to Dodge

Meet the MomShredHers