Vanderbilt Figure Skating Club’s premiere intercollegiate competition team has come to the end of a successful season, bridging the gap between experienced competitors and curious beginners. This year, VUFSC became the first ever team sent from Vanderbilt to the U.S. Intercollegiate Figure Skating competitions where they competed against over 30 other universities in the Southeastern region. In addition to practices with the competition team, the club hosts open practices from 3-4 p.m. CDT on Fridays at Centennial Sportsplex to share the sport with anyone interested.
On Friday, April 10, the club is hosting its first ever skate exhibition show. The evening will begin with performances from club members highlighting what they have learned this semester and then continue with individual programs from the competition team. The club members expressed excitement in showcasing both their beginner and advanced members and plan to invite the audience to join them on the ice afterwards.
Jumping for joy
The team enjoyed successful results in their first competition. At the recent Spartan Classic, the Intercollegiate Southeast Sectionals competition at Case Western University, the team performed exceptionally well with top finishers in multiple categories. Sophomore Emile Brozaityte placed first in the Preliminary Plus Free Skate category, and club president sophomore Sophia Jiang placed fourth in the Junior Women Free Skate category. Team members Kristina Feng and Robyn Tantleff also placed seventh in the Pre-Gold and Pre-Silver Solo Pattern Dance categories, respectively.
A spirit of support
According to an email from Jiang, VUFSC experienced “record-breaking attendance” this semester at its general club practices, allowing more skilled students to act as coaches to teach classmates how to skate, even if they have no previous experience. Even though there are no more team competitions, members are still supporting each other throughout the rest of the individual competition season, running through programs and encouraging each other.
Gliding with grace
VUFSC accomplished a lot this year, and it has no plans of stopping anytime soon.
”Everyone on our team has a passion and drive for figure skating and for our growing team,” Jiang said.
This year alone, the club has partnered with Jeni’s Ice Cream and Saint James Iced Tea at recent events, enjoying success at fundraising events and a skate night last semester. The team looks forward to its skate exhibition on Friday and more fun events, new members and welcoming practices in the upcoming year.
