In perfect synchrony: synchronized skating team competes on national level

Liberty University’s synchronized skating team will compete at nationals for the third time since its conception in 2011, a remarkable achievement for a program so young. 

Synchronized skating is one of the disciplines of figure skating. Twelve to 20 skaters perform simultaneously, competing by performing a wide variety of moves on the ice as a consistent unit.

The program was originally called LU Radiance. As the sport has grown more popular throughout the world, more athletes have specialized in this
particular technique.

Lady Flames Head Coach Tatiana Payne has seen the program develop over that time.

“Our skill level was very, very wide,” Payne said. “Now we’re getting more athletes with synchro background.”

The Lady Flames typically practice six times a week, with three practices on the ice and three practices off the ice. Flexibility and core strength are vital components the team focuses on improving.

Team members admitted that the start of the season was difficult as they lost many skaters due to injuries. The season is long, running from August through March, with only four or five opportunities to compete.

Freshman Olivia Ford said the team has stayed motivated during the season.

“The team’s theme for this year is never giving up and not letting your situations knock you down off your feet,” Ford said.

Though most sports undergo rule changes, synchronized skating experiences yearly changes from the International Skating Union (ISU), which sets guidelines for each competitive season. Each competition requires extensive preparatory work from the Lady Flames to ensure that they are ready and able to qualify for the U.S. Synchro Skating Championship.

This year will be the Lady Flames third year at nationals, Assistant Coach Emily Hughes said. 

In addition to the competitive opportunities, synchro skating gives more opportunities for skaters to compete than other forms, Payne said. While solo skaters deal with the pressures of perfection on the ice, synchro skating does not require the skaters to be perfect in every area of figure skating.

“It’s a great opportunity for skaters to create an atmosphere of teamwork in figure skating,” Payne said.

Ford also mentioned that being a part of a group requires sacrifice.

“You have to have humility,” Ford said. “You can’t just think you’re right all the time.”

The ISU is pushing for the sport to be in the Olympic Games. Payne believes that synchro becoming an Olympic sport would boost recruitment and competition.  

Hughes said the team has been steadily attracting fans. The team will occasionally perform at hockey games. Both coaches said they would like to host a synchro skating competition to increase awareness for the sport on campus.

Payne and Hughes said anyone with synchro experience could contact them through the team’s website, a part of Liberty’s Club Sports page. They also said that people with a skating background who want to work as a team and are willing to learn the sport can try out.

The Lady Flames will compete at the U.S. Synchro Skating Championship in Rhode Island Feb. 24.

Randle is a sports reporter. Follow him on Twitter.