The Grosse Pointe unified figure skating team, a mixture of student-athletes from North and South, has made an impressive name for itself. The A-Team is currently sitting in second place, while the whole team is sitting in third place. The state competition is held on 22nd March in Midland, MI, where skaters can compete individually with their programs and a team event for the top two teams from every district that qualify.
Having one competition a month, these athletes put in the hard work and effort twice a week in practice, doing edge work and practicing on their routines. Although the team is small, with only five members, the small size increases team chemistry, rendering these girls a force to be reckoned with due to their ability to work well with one another.
Although balancing school and sports can become challenging for some student-athletes, it can also be a great anti-stressor and leisure activity to look forward to.
“It’s great to have a sport or outside activity to reset yourself and take your mind off school, especially when the skating schedule is so flexible.” Helena Moore ‘25 said.
The team offers different levels of competition (A, B, and C teams) catering to various skill levels. Moore ‘25 encourages others to join, emphasizing the team’s low commitment and the fun aspect.
“Our team is fun, low commitment, and unique as it is not a typical high school sport.” Moore ‘25 said.
The team’s small size may seem to be a setback for a figure skating team, but their performance has stayed consistent in practices and competitions due to their prior experiences working together.
“The team bonding has been very strong since we all knew each other before the start of the season and it’s very close-knit and positive.” Rachel Farago ‘27 said.
Claire LaDue, the figure skating coach and ice show director, grew up in England, where she competed nationally before joining Disney on ice and traveling the world. She eventually settled in the United States to coach. According to LaDue, the team’s success stems from the fact that these athletes compete and practice all year and are extremely serious. They spend 3 to 4 hours per day after school at the rink, and they also coach in their leisure time.
“Our team is successful because this is not a seasonal sport for the athletes they compete and train all year individually.” LaDue said.
The team is incredibly close; all of the girls on the team are really supportive and encouraging of one another, and they are also friends outside of school and skating.
“We have pasta parties and other activities like Skating downtown at the tree lighting ceremony that brings team camaraderie.” LaDue said.
According the LaDue, passing on her great passion for the sport is very rewarding.
“My favorite part about my job is teaching athletes new skills and watching their face light up when they master it.” LaDue said.
