By Lexi Rohner
They are Caylin, 21, Brysin, 18, Cianin, 16, Ryedin, 15, and Bryndolin, 13, and they are five creative and unique individuals in the Rudedenman family.
Though none of them had ever skated prior to 2017, today, the California siblings constitute two ice dance teams (novice and intermediate), a junior man, an open juvenile girl and one coach.
A field trip led the Rudedenman clan to the ice.
“We thought it was a fun experience and they were anxious to try again,” Sara Rude, their mother, said. “The following school year we learned the kids’ school offered Learn to Skate packages, and we signed up.”
At the outset, they practiced on public sessions several times weekly. Their natural creativity crept out when they challenged each other to invent programs to songs playing in the rink.
“Whenever an elite skater was on the ice, we’d watch and try doing the same skills,” Caylin said. “We referred to YouTube on how to execute skills.”
Caylin trained alongside her siblings, helping them acquire new skills and teaching them elements she had learned on her own. In 2021, Caylin obtained coaching credentials due to Ryedin’s desire to compete seriously. She became a full-time coach for her siblings and other skaters.
The most difficult part of training for the siblings, as is true of many families, is the expense. The best part, they say, is what they enjoy together.
“No matter how much someone is struggling one day, we know how to joke and make a party on the ice,” Brysin, the highly energetic male half of the novice dance team with sister Cianin, said.
“Training in a supportive, friendly and like-minded environment makes it easier to train and enjoy long hours daily,” Ryedin added.
While Caylin is their main coach, she has worked with other coaches, accepting help and different points of view/techniques to ensure her siblings progress appropriately.
“Ryedin has a secondary coach with whom he’s worked with for almost four years,” Caylin said.
Between on- and off-ice training and competition, the siblings have little time for other activities. When possible, though, the family enjoys hiking, California’s beaches and visiting theme parks. Caylin is the only one who has participated in another sport: six years in competitive cheerleading.
“We find competition an exciting challenge,” Cianin said. “Each time is a unique experience from the previous one. We learn and grow from each one.”
They enjoy traveling, a staple in skating, and seeing competitors they have befriended, making competing less stressful, more enjoyable and more encouraging.
Dance offers far fewer opportunities to compete, meaning less time to learn how to handle nerves and associated competition pressures. An independent study program for schooling allows for flexible scheduling, traveling and breaks when needed.
Despite all the family needs from skating, they always find time to give back. They support their club’s (All Year FSC) events, volunteer to help the junior board or be part of the local organizing committee.
Caylin knew from early on that she wanted to pursue coaching. Starting at 15 and beginning to coach just three years later, was, at times, daunting and intimidating.
“I had to start somewhere, like everyone, and learn through my experiences,” Caylin said. “I’ve always liked teaching my siblings and helping them through obstacles. I’ve had to research and observe others to see teaching techniques and methods and apply them to create my own coaching style.
“Each student learns and progresses differently with their skating, which presents a new challenge and chance to be creative in coming up with exercises and new ways to teach them.”
Caylin is focused on moving her siblings, all of whom were invited to the 2024 National Development Team Camp, toward their goals.
Brysin and Cianin’s goal this season is to break 110 points and qualify for the U.S. Ice Dance Final. Ryedin and Bryndolin (intermediate ice dance) have their eyes set on a repeat invitation to the National Development Team Camp.
Bryndolin, also an open juvenile girls competitor, wants to land her double Axel and two triples, while qualifying for the Sectional Singles Final. Ryedin, who qualified for the 2024 U.S. Championships as a junior man, is seeking to add a triple Axel and triple-triple jump combinations to his repertoire, and place in the top five at the U.S. Championships.
The siblings can usually be found helping each other with hair, make-up, costumes, skates, whatever is needed. They tease each other incessantly, but no one cheers louder for them than the others. They all have infectious smiles.
“We get to do what we love every day, and we get to do it together,” Caylin said.
