Starting your first year of college is scary. You are about to start a new chapter in your life. You may feel anxious about living in the dorms, finding your way around campus or deciding on your future career aspirations. But for figure skaters, many of us are also nervous about what the transition on the ice will look like and how to balance skating with this new load of schoolwork.
Below are some of the key aspects that stand out to me in the transition from high school to college skating:
The first few months of college are an adjustment where you are trying to figure out the best schedule that works for you to excel in all aspects of your life. Your weekly skating routine will look different, but it still may be a big priority. Along with your classes and skating, there are many amazing student organizations, internships and research opportunities. It seems overwhelming, but you will find the best schedule to balance all your responsibilities. Everyone will have a unique and individualized routine that works for them. Prioritizing, staying organized and sticking to a schedule will help make for a smoother transition.
Collegiate skating gives you an instant group of friends who encourage you every day to strive for excellence on and off the ice. They are there to support you in your highest and lowest moments throughout your college journey. Your teammates become your biggest cheerleaders, and family away from home who understand what it is like to be a student-athlete.
Intercollegiate competitions are full of fun, team camaraderie and many memorable moments. The competition environment is extremely supportive, with every school cheering for not only their teammates but all the competitors. You can continue to grow and improve your skating in freestyle, solo dance and team maneuver elements while earning points for your team. I will never forget what it was like hearing "representing the University of Delaware" as I took the ice for my first intercollegiate competition. I felt so much pride and honor as I knew I was representing my university and part of something bigger than just competing for myself.
Collegiate skating is for everyone! No matter your level of skating or when you started, there is a place for you to skate in college. I think this is one of the best aspects of collegiate skating and certainly helps with the transition from high school. There are some skaters who have been skating almost their entire life, others who have taken a break and are getting back into it and some who begin skating in college. Get what you want out of skating, try a new discipline and take ownership of your skating. The opportunities in collegiate skating are endless!
The transition from high school to collegiate skating is a significant change, but one of the most rewarding parts of college. Going to the rink after a long day of classes allows you to escape from reality and be at the one place that for many figure skaters always feels like home.
Leah Krauskopf is a 2020-21 Collegiate Ambassador and a member of the University of Delaware intercollegiate figure skating team.
