About Us

KID SPOTLIGHT

November 2001

Age: 7

Hometown: St. Joseph, Mo.

Club: St. Joseph FSC

Favorite skater: Michelle Kwan

Skating level: High free skate (Chevrolet/USFSA Skate With U.S. program)

How often she skates: She has been skating for three years now and skates five hours a week. Ashley's coach, Robin Fisher, said, “I started teaching her private lessons when she was 4 years old, and in that time I have had the privilege to teach and witness a beautiful skater develop. In a year and a half, she has skated and competed successfully from Basic Skills Level 6 through Free Skate Level 6.”

Favorite jumps/moves: Lutz-loop combinations, split jumps, laybacks and Axels in the harness. “All of her jumps through Lutz-loop-loop are demonstrated consistently and effortlessly,” Fisher said. “She has only worked on an Axel for a total of a month, and it is now simply a matter of time before she has that landed and mastered with ease. Her spins consist of everything up to and including a camel-sit-change-sit and layback (She correctly taught herself the sit and back sit spins simply by watching other skaters).”

What she likes about skating: Showing off and performing in front of crowds.

How she got started skating: Ashley's brother started playing on a hockey team, and she would watch the figure skaters while the team waited to go on the ice. When asked if she would like to be a figure skater, she said, without much excitement, “OK.” She then enrolled in Skate With U.S. and has enjoyed it ever since.

Ashley Hartman

Favorite skating moments: Christmas and spring ice shows

Goals: Ashley's goals for the near future are to take her pre-preliminary moves in the field and free skate tests. “I have no doubt she will see her first Southwestern regional competition very soon,” Fisher said.

What else you should know about her: “At 7 years of age, Ashley already choreographs most of her compulsory events and always has ideas for her other programs,” Fisher said. “She has that natural feel for skating with music that one usually learns through years of dance, ballet and choreography lessons. For this child, I truly believe the sky's the limit!" “When Ashley steps on the ice, even for practice, she's excited,” said Ralph Hartman, Ashley's grandpa. “The St. Joseph FSC is a small club and Ashley really enjoys the family atmosphere. I attribute that closeness to her success.”