About Us

IN SYNCH

January 2008

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Each year, nearly 300 athletes around the country are named to the U.S. Synchronized Skating Team. Though familiar with the teams that represent the country, skating fans oftentimes don't know much about the individual athletes. Starting with the November 2007 issue of SKATING magazine, a different member of “Team USA” will be featured.)

Birthdate: Feb. 28, 1983
Education: BA in history and studio art from Providence College in 2005
Years on the Haydenettes: 2
How did you start skating?
I first stepped on the ice at age 2. I started group lessons at age 5. I started synchronized skating at my local rink when I was 10 and have skated on a team ever since.

Erika Hofmann

My mom had been a skater and was a coach. My aunt (Nancy Rossi, coach of 2001 World Junior bronze medalists, Superettes) was skating and coaching. I wanted to skate, too.

What are the highest tests you've passed?
I have passed by senior tests in moves in the field, free skating and free dance, in addition to all my international dances. I've also earned my Canadian gold tests in free skating, skills and dance.

What is your competitive skating background, outside of synchronized skating?
New England Regional Championships and Eastern Sectional Championships in intermediate figures; Eastern Sectional Championships in novice, junior and senior dance; 2002 North America Challenge Skate in novice dance.

What do you like best about synchronized skating?
I love being part of a team. It's great to have your closest friends out there with you, sharing the same goals and dreams. I think synchronized skating is an incredibly challenging sport and I like how it combines elements of free skating, dance and pairs.

My favorite elements are anything with footwork – especially the no-hold step sequences and circles.

Family:
My parents, Donna and James; and brother, Kyle, all live in Rhode Island. Kyle is a freshman at Bryant University and he plays on the golf team. My mom was president of the Providence Skating Club for many years and is also a Gold Test judge. I have a cat named Nightmare.

What do you do outside of skating?
Painting, photography or anything having to do with art. I also play the piano and enjoy running and playing golf and tennis. I'm also a huge Boston Red Sox fan.

What is your goal?
To always work to be the best I can be, keep a positive attitude and never give up. That is my goal for skating and life in general.