Building upon a successful 2024–25 season, Teams Elite senior is poised to take the synchronized skating community by storm.

With three international events on the horizon — the Marie Lundmark Trophy in Finland, the International Classic in Boston and this weekend's Santa Claus Cup in Czech Republic — the Northbrook, Illinois-based team is ready to unveil their progress.

One of the biggest changes for the upcoming season is the expansion of the team, from 12 to 16 skaters.

"At the senior level, most teams now compete with 16 skaters, so we're excited to join them and explore new choreographic possibilities," coach Danielle Ostrower said. "Adding four more athletes than last season opens the door for greater creativity and allows us to expand what's possible within the program."

Additionally, the skaters have shown a deeper commitment to their artistry, Ostrower said.

"This team has grown tremendously as performers," she said. "They've shown a real willingness to learn, to be vulnerable and to push themselves into new territory with movement and expression."

Co-captain Abbi Nelson is proud of Teams Elite senior's growth.

"The team has definitely improved technically and artistically," Nelson said. "We have been able to choreograph more complex elements and footwork in our programs, in turn making them more creative and engaging for the audience. Our elements are stronger and more consistent, and the team feels more confident in ourselves and our ability to execute our programs."

The team's evolution is apparent in their choice of competitive programs.

"Our short program is a rhythmic and powerful version of Puccini's 'O Mio Babbino Caro,' which tells the story of a woman's desperation to marry the man she loves despite her father's protests and other perilous obstacles," said Eden Bathelt, who serves as the team's co-captain with Nelson.

With their improved presentation skills, Ostrower felt her team was ready to perform to piece of music with more depth.

"We chose this music because we wanted to showcase the team's range and create a more emotional, mature performance compared to last season," she said. "The piece demands a higher level of skating quality — both technically and artistically — and the intensity of the music naturally inspires greater speed and power. It also provides rich opportunities for storytelling, and we're excited for audiences to see a different side of the team."

For their free skate, Ostrower felt the theme, "The Eye of the Storm," would challenge the team artistically. Furthermore, it highlights their strong bond while still allowing their individuality to shine through.

"With the free program, we wanted to take the audience on a more conceptual journey," Ostrower said. "Having athletes at the senior level allows us to dive deeper into narrative and explore more complex themes. The program incorporates multiple pieces of music — beginning with the storm brewing, moving into its full intensity, drifting into the stillness of the eye and then emerging on the other side. This structure gives the skaters the chance to embody different styles, tell their own stories and connect with one another in powerful ways. We hope judges and spectators leave feeling the emotional arc and the unity behind it."

Bathelt believes their free skate will resonate with both fans and judges.

"Through power, artistry and an emotional performance, our team tells the story of a storm: the first signs of rain to the storm's violent pinnacle before the peaceful clarity of a new day," she said. "Our performance will display a range of emotions and styles of skating. We intend to keep audiences on the edge of their seats!"

The skaters are committed to giving it their all this season.

"As a whole, we want to leave a lasting impact and make a statement as international competitors," Nelson said. "We want to feel like we left everything out on the ice and are proud of our skates."

Team Elite Senior's synergy is their greatest strength, allowing them to maintain focus and momentum toward their goals.

"We have a shared vision for our season and the future of the sport, and the entire team is dedicated to avoiding distractions and doing everything in their power to make those dreams a reality," Nelson said.

And as they chart a new course forward, their tenacity will carry them — and synchronized skating — to new heights.

"Teams Elite senior stands out because our athletes and organization are committed to pushing boundaries," Ostrower said. "We never settle for what simply 'works;' instead, we aim to move the sport forward in exciting and innovative ways."