Competition season kicks off for synchronized skating this week at California Cup 2019, part of the new Challenger Series Synchronized Skating. For seasoned veteran on the Skyliners senior team and DREAM skater Kelsey Bialo, this season will be extra special.

Bialo acknowledges, "Our training has been going amazingly well and we are feeling January-ready in November. We are prepared to showcase our new programs and are very much on the same page as a team."

Bialo confirms that Skyliner's have set high goals for their team this year and are constantly working toward a U.S. synchro title. "We want to be technically sound and have clear, sharp and energetic programs," says Bialo. She adds, "It would be icing on the cake for us to compete on home ice in Lake Placid for the ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships 2020 this April."

This season the Skyliner's short program is warrior themed with a darker, more intense energy than any previous programs they've performed – whereas their free skate is a fan favorite Queen medley. "It is an absolute blast and my favorite program I've ever skated," notes Bialo. "The music builds and we hope our fans will interact during the 'We Will Rock You' section," adds Bialo.

A synchro team's bond is unlike any other and Bialo attests this to the bonding activities they have each season like celebrating birthdays as a team and their annual Friendsgiving dinner. Their tight-knit dynamic also rests in tradition.

From singing "Defying Gravity" on the bus on their way to every competition, having three-minute breathing circles to envision success and jamming to Beyoncé's "Run the World (Girls)" in the locker room before taking the ice, Skyliner's know how to amp up the energy and get each other motivated.

"None of us can sing, but we still belt at the top of our lungs," laughs Bialo.

Entering her 12th year on Skyliner's, Bialo feels bittersweet knowing this will be her final year competing. A junior at Barnard College, the women's college of Columbia University in New York City, Bialo is working on a double major, double minor, is a member of a sorority and involved in many clubs on campus. Despite her busy schedule, Bialo believes, "Skating and school can always co-exist. It has taken me time to get the right balance and always making time for 'me.'"

Skyliner's will always be home for Bialo and she says, "Skating means everything to me. I feel so gratified to be part of this team and see the changes we've made over the years. I want to ride the excitement and bond we have as a family all season."

Bialo concludes, "I have been living out my dream, all thanks to synchro."

Watch Skyliners take the ice for the first time this season this week at the 2019 California Cup in Irvine, California! Competition will be available on-demand on the U.S. Figure Skating Fan Zone.