Synchronized Skating Team Takes 4th Place at Sectionals

Most teenagers are looking for a break after final exams, but the Silver Stars synchronized skating team still had a big journey ahead. The team of ten girls was headed to the annual Pacific Coast Synchronized Skating Championships in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Two flights were canceled at the last minute due to the polar vortex, but luckily, the third flight was a charm and the girls were able to successfully fly at the last minute out of Sacramento.

Synchronized ice skating is a challenging sport due to the incredible teamwork, speed, and intricate formations that must be timed perfectly throughout the performance. As a result of the canceled flights, the girls missed one ice practice session. Out of eleven teams competing on Feb 1, 2019, they had to compete second and hope that their performance would stand out for the five judges. The girls’ dresses and music were based on an Italian theme- the routine started with “Evening in Roma” and then transitioned to “Tu Vuo’ Fa L’Americano.” They skated an error-free performance which included a three spoke wheel, a linear block and line, Chinese spirals, and spread eagles. The girls were ecstatic to get fourth place, and they were awarded with pewter medals. An award ceremony was held and group pictures were taken to honor the top four open juvenile teams.

The Silver Stars team has existed at Dublin Iceland since 1995. The head coach for the Silver Stars, Laura Erle, has been leading the team from inception. The most tenured girls on the team have been skating together for five years. Two years ago, the girls placed third at Pacific Coast Sectionals which were held in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The Silver Stars open juvenile team coach, Lauren Glavor, who attended Pleasant Hill Middle School, was part of the Silver Stars team when she was in high school, and now skates in an adult synchro ice skating team, Ice Symmetrics (which took first place at Sectionals for their group). The girls have a great bond together as they’ve all skated two years or longer as a team.

Most of the girls are in high school and still manage to do their academic studies well in addition to figure skating. Pleasant Hill resident, Mikayla Gordon, attends College Park High School and has been on the team for four years. Some of the girls also compete individually as figure skaters. Most synchronized competitions are in other cities but the girls always perform in the Winter Dublin Iceland Recital, so you can watch their performance live at Dublin Iceland in early December every year.

The girls are always looking for talented skaters to join their team. Besides open juvenile, there is also a beginner and pre-juvenile Silver Stars Team. Skating auditions are held in March every year. Synchronized skating is a U.S. Figure Skating sport and boys and girls are welcome to try out!