To say Miami University has a storied history when it comes to synchronized skating would be an understatement. The results speak for themselves, as its senior team has won dozens of medals at the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships.
 
Katey Nyquist assumed the role of head coach in March 2024, becoming only the third person in history to lead the program. Despite the inherent challenges that accompany any leadership transition, Nyquist led her team to a silver medal finish at the 2025 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships in her debut season as a RedHawk.

 
"When they went to compete in the U.S. Championships, I remember feeling a sense of peace, because I had a feeling that they were going to skate the way that they did," Nyquist said. "I was just so happy for them — that they got off the ice feeling like they put everything into their performances and that they felt proud of themselves. It was a long and hard first season for us, with many ups and downs, so to end the season on such a high note was amazing."
 
Reflecting on her growth since taking over the program, Nyquist notes that the steep learning curve of her first year has given way to a newfound sense of clarity.
 
"Coming into my second season as head coach, the biggest change has been that I now have a year of experience under my belt, I understand my process better and what to anticipate throughout the season," Nyquist said. "I know my athletes, what works and doesn't work for them. Last year, I had 41 brand-new athletes [including the collegiate team] that I had to learn how to work with, and vice versa."
 
This season also brings newcomers to the senior team, with six freshmen joining the squad.
 
"They come from a wide variety of experience and backgrounds, and have added such depth to our team," Nyquist said.
 
Under Nyquist's leadership, Miami senior's internal culture has undergone a powerful shift.
 
"Since Katey stepped into the head coach role, the culture of the team has become a huge focus," senior Kendall Angstadt said. "At the beginning of last season, she further defined and expanded on the concept of the Champion Standard — our framework that explicitly lays out expectations for how we show up for ourselves and each other on an everyday basis, as well as how we represent Miami skating on national and international stages."
 
The Champion Standard isn't just a set of rules; it's a hands-on philosophy, explained sophomore Abby Hodge.
 
"During my freshman year, we were struggling with our pivoting block," Hodge said. "Instead of just correcting us again, Katey hopped right into the end of my line and skated the element with us. Seeing her skate the program with us was not only fun, but also a reflection of who she is as a leader."
 
Additionally, the team actively seeks opportunities to learn and grow, according to junior Rose Goldenberg.
 
"I've noticed our team is getting better at taking and applying feedback," Goldenberg said. "While change can be uncomfortable, we've leaned into it more this year, and that mindset shift has been vital to our improvement as a team."
 
Nyquist's support of her skaters is felt beyond the rink as well. 
 
"Katey brings a unique combination of passion and dynamic creativity to her coaching that keeps us on our toes," Goldenberg said. "She constantly pushes us to grow and set a higher standard for ourselves. I admire that she cares about us as people and students, not just skaters. She is the kind of leader who challenges us to be better while also helping us believe we're capable of making it happen."
 
Miami senior's programs this season are an illustration of their growth. Nyquist wanted to showcase the team's range, so she selected Jon Batiste's melodic rendition of "What a Wonderful World" for their short program and the disco classic "Le Freak" by Chic for their free skate.
 
"This year, I chose our music strategically according to what we had identified were strengths of the team," Nyquist said. "I also wanted to be thoughtful about giving our athletes a mix of new features to challenge themselves, while keeping features from last year that we knew the team could perform consistently at a higher level."
 
As the season unfolds, the synergy between Nyquist's high standards and the team's resilient spirit may be the exact formula needed to return to the top of the podium.
 
"During my two seasons on this team, we have experienced many highs and lows, but I have never doubted our ability to overcome challenges and show our grit," Hodge said. "This team will fight until the end and prove that it is never too late for a comeback."