IN SYNCH Where skating and higher education meet GOE and GPA: by LEE ANN SHOKER, MIAMI UNIVERSITY ASSISTANT COACH Many skaters find that their passion for the
sport grows when they are able to continue skat- ing while in college. Tis may be why collegiate skating is one of the fastest-growing sections of U.S. Figure Skating. Competing on the colle- giate, synchronized collegiate or intercollegiate circuit provides new experiences that can main- tain skaters’ involvement in the sport. It also establishes a friend base as they start the next chapter of their educational and skating careers. Intercollegiate skating participation also extends beyond the demographic of seasoned skaters, as many colleges and universities offer skating class- es for first-time skaters. At many schools, these skaters find a home within their intercollegiate program, landing a spot on the university’s team. In addition to new experiences and friend-
ships, there are several other advantages to be- coming a collegiate skater. One such advantage is the collegiate membership. Tis four-year mem- bership includes the same benefits as a regularly priced U.S. Figure Skating membership but at a reduced rate to help accommodate a college student’s budget. Also, collegiate skating pro- vides leadership opportunities within the clubs or teams they join, and skaters can also become involved in judging or coaching through educa- tional webinars hosted by U.S. Figure Skating’s Collegiate Committee. Regardless of the path a skater chooses to take during college, continuing in the sport will provide them experiences, friendships and skills that will last a lifetime. Here is what two collegiate skaters have to say about their experiences: Laney Diggs — University of California, Berkeley Laney Diggs is a senior at the University of
California, Berkeley, majoring in media studies and sociology. As the president of the university’s intercollegiate figure skating team, she has excelled in school and in skating. She competed at the 2013 U.S. Championships in Omaha, Neb. Tis marked her fifth trip to the U.S. Championships. Diggs is also a trial judge and plans to attend law school after graduating. “After taking two seasons off from com- peting outside of intercollegiate competition, I impulsively decided to sign up for the 2013 Cen- tral Pacific Regional Championships. Returning to regionals meant that I had to juggle being a full-time student and taking LSAT classes while also competing in both intercollegiate and qual- ifying competitions. Tis schedule did present some challenges, but it proved to be rewarding. I achieved success academically and competitively as I qualified for the 2013 U.S. Championships
60 DECEMBER 2013 Laney Diggs in Omaha. “Competing at the U.S. Championships
this time around was much different from my previous experiences, because of my intercolle- giate skating involvement. Troughout the event, I received encouraging messages from friends at colleges and universities across the country, say- ing things such as ‘Show them what collegiate skating is all about.’ Being able to share my ex- perience with my intercollegiate support system made this season one of the best of my skating career. “In addition to contributing to my return
to the U.S. Championships, intercollegiate skat- ing also opened the door for me to continue my skating career and to grow as a skater and as a
Tori Alexander
student. Intercollegiate skating has also helped me realize that I will always be involved with the sport, as it reconnects me with my childhood and adolescent dreams. Even though I am graduating this coming year, I already know this intercolle- giate season will be even more memorable than the last.” Tori Alexander — Miami University Tori Alexander is a sophomore at Miami
University majoring in microbiology, Spanish and Latin American studies. She is in her second season on Miami’s varsity synchronized skating team. With the RedHawks, she represented the United States at the 2013 ISU World Synchronized Skating Cham- pionships in Boston, after placing second at the 2013 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships. “When it came time to make a college deci-
sion, I knew that skating would play a huge role, but I didn’t want it to be the only factor. I knew I loved the sport, but when it really came down to it, I had to consider my future. With dreams of becoming a doctor and joining a program such as Doctors Without Borders, I had no idea how skating would fit in. But after weighing all of the pros and cons of different schools, I knew I wasn’t ready to give it up. “So collegiate skating it was. To this day, I’m so thankful that I didn’t give up my passion. My teammates and coaches at Miami University are some of the most supportive people in my life, both on and off the ice. It isn’t always easy to bal- ance everything, but it is definitely worth it. Even when I decided to begin judging, they were more than willing to help me out in whatever way pos- sible. Collegiate skating has given me the oppor- tunity to grow in multiple aspects of the sport. Knowing that my years as a collegiate skater are limited, I want to make as much out of them as possible. I will judge, test, coach and compete, all with my coaches, teammates and classmates supporting me. And when it’s all over, I’ll be able to look back and realize how truly lucky I was to have this opportunity. And hopefully, I’ll be able to pay it forward, and share my passion with others.”
Miami RedHawks
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