2 Medfield Girls Make U.S. Synchronized Skating Championship

MEDFIELD, MA — Two Medfield girls will get to hit the ice on the national stage when their teams compete in the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championship in Providence, RI next month. Dale Street School student Gabriella Rodriguez and Catherine Callahan, of Medfield High School, are both part of the Boston-based Team Excel, which is representing the Skating Club of Boston in the finals.

Synchronized skating is a type of figure skating in which teams of eight-to-20 skaters perform together. It combines elements of singles skating, pairs skating and ice dancing and requires the team to go through challenging routines as a unit. The routines require speed, intricacy, and of course teamwork.

Team Excel Juvenile, which Rodriquez is a member of, was one of six teams in its age group to qualify for nationals. Team Excel Junior, which Callahan is on, took second place at Eastern Sectionals last month, earning her and the team a bid in the championship. Team Excel's collegiate and adult teams also qualified for the finals.

"I would like to commend Gabriella and Catherine and all our Team Excel skaters for their accomplishments," said Team Excel Director Merita Mullen said. "This year marks the first time that our organization will send four teams to the U.S. Championships and the first time in Team Excel’s history that our Juvenile Team has qualified to compete at nationals. These achievements are a true testament to the effort and dedication of our skaters, as well as the commitment and support of our entire Team Excel family — coaches, parents, and volunteers alike. We are incredibly proud of their success."

Callahan and Rodriguez hit the ice Feb. 26-29 for the championship.