Not Your Ordinary Skater
by Joanne Vassallo Jamrosz, special to U.S. Figure Skating Online2.jpg) |
Hannah was born without her right forearm and hand.
"I really don't even think about it much," Hannah said. "I have never known anything different, and I'm pretty good at figuring out how to do almost anything without it."
Especially skating.
When Hannah was 3, her mother took her to a public skating session, and she enjoyed it so much, she signed up for lessons.
Now an eighth grader, Hoffman has been skating the past 11 years at the Crystal Ice House in Crystal Lake, Ill., and is working toward passing her novice moves in the field and intermediate free skate tests.
In the process of learning the various elements, Hoffman found she had an easier time with some than others.
"I never had to do anything differently than anyone else when it came to jumps," she said. "I used to be really bad at spins and had to find my center for them. I worked really hard on them with my coaches, and I am so much better at them now."
Hoffman works with coaches Kim Johnson and Renee Brainard. Brainard is also her coach on Chicagoland Ice Theatre, which she joined three years ago.
"Hannah always gives 110 percent," Brainard said. "She works well with her teammates and is so likeable. She has beautiful extensions on the ice, and you give her a difficult move, and she will do it."
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"Like all skaters, Hannah has challenges, and we find solutions to work through them," Johnson said. "Hannah's determination and positive attitude help everyone at our rink to realize their own potential and work through their own challenges."
According to her mom, being part of a team has done wonders for Hannah's self-esteem.
"[Hannah's] coaches and fellow teammates have always been so wonderful and look past Hannah's difference," Kris said. "I really think the rink has become a safe home and haven away from home for Hannah, which is so important in her life."
It's also important that she have a life outside of skating, and Hannah has shown she is no one-trick pony--she also plays on her school basketball team and is also a member of the track team.
But it is skating that is her one true passion.
"What I love most about skating is the feeling of floating on air when I am gliding over the ice," Hannah said. "It is such a rush."
Kris is most proud of her daughter's determination and will.
"She never shows any self pity and never says, 'I can't.' I am proud every time she goes out and gives 100 percent, whatever it may be," Kris said. "She is a wonderful, bright individual, and I know she will be making her father and me proud for years to come."
Hannah enjoys encouraging others, and if she inspires someone along the way, she is happy about that, too.
Hannah said, "It does not matter what you look like. All that matters is that you give it a shot and love what you are doing. Do not let anything stop you. Go for it."
