IN SYNCH
January 2003
Meet Team du Coeur
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| Team du Coeur |
Club/Level: Lakeland SC, Waterford, Mich./ Intermediate
Coach: Heather (Robertson) Blasko
Team members: Jaime Sandow (captain), Kara Helgemo (co-captain), Jessica Shuck, Kelly Woo, Erika Kent, Anna Kristen Daub, Emily Wrijil, Elizabeth Sheldon, Jordan Boynton, Ashley Paulen, Amber Giles, Kayla Ridgway, Stacie Rodriguez, Maria Mauro, Julie Reid, Molly Rau, Rebecca Kather, Katie Hanba, Eileen Dolan, Adrienne Edson
Team rituals: We kick off each season with a team-building day away from the rink. Last year, skaters were "kidnapped" and loaded onto a limo-bus in their jammies for breakfast and a mystery trip. The team's pre-competition rituals are a mixture of concentrated focus, superstition and the need to just let off some nervous energy. We begin with a mental walk-through of the program, some final thoughts from each skater and a circle squeeze-pass. Then it's time for the Hokie Pokie (our youth team was surprised when they saw that!) and a final "kiss kiss" for luck!
Why is Team du Coeur special? "Du Coeur" means "from the heart," and that's what we're all about — skating from the heart. Each skater truly enjoys being a part of our team and is committed to its success — and that shows! We strive to be unique and innovative each year, which reflects who we are as individuals. During everything, we remember to value the experiences that our team has had and the friendships we've made, not just the medals we've received. It's the journey, not the destination, that matters the most — and we're off on yet another!
Team goals: As we move from teen intro to intermediate, we realize there are new possibilities. Every team has a dream, and ours is to compete at the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships. Now we're one step closer. Our immediate goals include skating clean programs, having a safe year with no injuries, and being a unique team. Long-term, many of the skaters plan to join synchro teams in college and compete internationally.
What's the best part of being on a synchronized skating team? The friendships and the opportunity to travel and compete together are the best aspects of skating on a team. The 24-7 togetherness is almost like living together, and if you've got good chemistry like we do, it's a great opportunity. On the ice, the support you get from your teammates makes it less nerve-wracking and more enjoyable.
What are some of your best memories? Nearly all of our best memories are associated with the trips we've taken to competitions. From "apple bowling" with bus driver Bob on the way to Huntsville, to team parties, pranks and ice-cube-in-the-hot-tub wars, we always have fun together. Some of us also remember what a great feeling it was to take first in the initial and final rounds at the Midwestern Sectionals with our "Welcome to Rio" program in youth intro.
Attention, synchronized skaters!
If you'd like to see your synchronized team profiled in SKATING magazine, fill out the Synchronized Spotlight submission form below and send in a team picture to become the next team featured in Synchronized Spotlight! You can send in the form and photo by mail or e-mail them to skatingmagazine@usfsa.org.
Any team in the preliminary, youth introductory, teen introductory, juvenile, intermediate or novice divisions is eligibile. (Sorry higher level teams – this is for kids only!) Teams will be selected by SKATING magazine. We request that the questions are answered by the skaters — not moms, dads, big sisters, coaches or team managers. But please make sure to provide a contact phone number for a representative team member or coach.
Synchronized Spotlight submission form:
Microsoft Word document
PDF file
