Laurel’s Ice Legends: Meet the Top Curlers Connected to Potomac Curling Club

LAUREL, Md. — Tucked inside The Gardens Ice House sits one of Maryland’s most unique sports facilities. The Potomac Curling Club, home to the National Capital Curling Center, has become the center of curling in the Baltimore-Washington region and one of the most respected curling clubs in the United States.

Founded in 1961 and operating from Laurel since 2002, the Potomac Curling Club has introduced thousands of Maryland residents to a sport that often captures the nation’s attention every four years during the Winter Olympics. What many casual sports fans do not realize is that some of the nation’s top curlers have trained, competed, and developed their skills through the Laurel-based club over the years.

The club operates four dedicated sheets of curling ice and hosts leagues, bonspiels, youth programs, and national-level competitions. The facility has hosted major USA Curling events and continues to serve as the Mid-Atlantic’s premier curling destination.

Potomac Curling Club’s Place in American Curling

Few curling clubs in the United States can match the history and impact of Potomac Curling Club. The organization has grown from a small group of Canadian embassy employees into one of the country’s most successful volunteer-run curling organizations.

Membership has surged following recent Winter Olympics, with more than 400 curlers now participating in leagues, instructional programs, and competitive events. The club’s success stems from its commitment to both recreational and elite-level curling.

That combination has allowed Potomac to become a launching point for curlers pursuing national championships while also serving as a welcoming home for beginners.

Olivia Cappello

Among the most recognizable leaders in today’s Potomac Curling Club is Olivia Cappello.

As a club vice president and active competitor, Cappello has become one of the public faces of curling in Maryland. Her work helping grow the sport in the Washington area has introduced countless new participants to the game.

Cappello represents the modern generation of curlers who balance competition, club leadership, and outreach. Her involvement in learn-to-curl programs and open houses has helped expand participation throughout the region.

Heath McCormick

Any discussion of elite curlers connected to Potomac’s history must include Heath McCormick.

McCormick established himself as one of America’s premier curlers during the 2000s and early 2010s. His teams regularly competed at the highest levels of U.S. curling and qualified for multiple national championships.

One of the most notable moments came when McCormick’s rink dominated a national qualifying event held in Laurel, finishing unbeaten and advancing to the U.S. Men’s Championship. His success helped showcase Potomac Curling Club as a legitimate venue for elite competition.

Derek Surka

Another accomplished competitor with ties to major events hosted in Laurel is Derek Surka.

Surka emerged as one of the strongest curlers in the eastern United States and consistently competed against many of the nation’s top teams. His appearances in national qualifying events helped raise the competitive profile of curling throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.

Players like Surka demonstrated that elite curling could thrive outside the traditional power centers of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Elizabeth Tigner

Elizabeth Tigner represents another important chapter in Potomac’s growth story.

Known for her involvement in league competition and club development, Tigner has become an advocate for growing youth participation and expanding curling opportunities throughout Maryland.

The continued success of the club depends on dedicated members like Tigner who help bridge the gap between recreational curling and competitive play.

The Next Generation

One of the most exciting aspects of Potomac Curling Club is its commitment to junior development.

The club offers youth leagues, elite training opportunities, and instructional programs designed to develop future national champions. Several promising young curlers have emerged from the Laurel facility over the years, giving Maryland a growing presence on the national curling scene.

With curling’s popularity increasing following each Olympic cycle, Potomac’s junior programs continue to attract athletes looking for a unique competitive challenge.

Why Laurel Has Become a Curling Hotspot

Most sports fans would never expect Laurel, Maryland, to be one of the country’s top curling destinations.

Yet the National Capital Curling Center has become exactly that.

The facility hosts tournaments that attract teams from across North America. Competitive curlers travel hundreds of miles to participate in events at the club, while local leagues remain among the strongest in the region.

That combination of grassroots participation and elite competition has turned Potomac Curling Club into one of Maryland’s hidden sports gems.

Looking Ahead

As interest in curling continues to grow following the 2026 Winter Olympics, the future appears bright for the Potomac Curling Club.

The organization remains committed to introducing new players to the sport while supporting those with aspirations of competing at the national and international levels.

For Maryland sports fans looking for something different, the curling community in Laurel offers a reminder that championship-level competition can thrive in unexpected places.

Whether it’s a first-time curler learning how to slide down the ice or a veteran competitor chasing a national title, Potomac Curling Club continues to serve as the home of curling in Maryland.

And for more than two decades, Laurel has proudly held that distinction.