Junior pair skater Sam Herbert shares his journey from early mornings in South Carolina to his first U.S. Figure Skating Championships, reflecting on growth, partnership, pressure, and purpose.
Isabel Isidro
Early Inspiration: Discovering Skating and Performance
For Alek Tankovic, skating entered his life long before competition became the focus. Although he officially began Learn to Skate classes at six years old, his earliest memories on the ice date back even further. “I first stepped on the ice at 2,” Tankovic recalls. “I remember watching Plushenko…
When Joshua Snyder steps onto the ice, there is a quiet sense of purpose—an intensity softened only by the clear joy he feels when he jumps, spins, and powers across the rink. That blend of grit and passion is what carried the 17-year-old skater from the Onyx-Suburban Skating Academy to one of the biggest milestones…
Choosing the right skating coach goes beyond medals. Learn what questions to ask at every level — from beginners to juvenile and elite skaters — to ensure strong technique, growth, and the right coach–skater fit.
Learn how boy figure skaters can build confidence, handle pressure, and embrace artistry. Sports psychologist Katie Castle shares practical tips for parents and athletes.
Two-time U.S. Solo Dance Champion Lucas Appel shares his journey from near-retirement to national and international success — and what drives his artistry.
Discover the story of Ryan William Azadpour, a two-time U.S. Nationals competitor whose passion and discipline extend beyond the ice through his Alzheimer’s Caregiver Tribute Project—uniting skaters worldwide to honor caregivers and inspire compassion.
Key Takeaways for Parents:
Your child has more chances to experience a “Nationals,” even at lower levels.
Younger skaters (preliminary and pre-juvenile) are now officially part of the qualifying system.
Advancement gets more competitive with fewer spots at Sectionals.
Qualifying skaters gain extra support and visibility through the Development Team.
U.S. Figure Skating recently…
Discover how Ryan Hu rose from a late start and 4 a.m. practices to become a U.S. junior ice dancer, Team USA athlete, and advocate for the skating community.
Competitions are exciting moments for figure skaters, but they can also be stressful, especially for boys who may not always receive the same level of guidance as their female peers. While girls’ competition prep often emphasizes hair, makeup, and dresses, boys have different priorities. Their checklists are less about presentation extras and more about functionality,…