Above: Sarah Everhardt performs her "Firebird" routine on the Grand Prix circuit. Photo credit: Getty Images
By Troy Schwindt
Sarah Everhardt, one of U.S. Figure Skating’s most promising skaters heading into this weekend’s 2025 Prevagen U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Witchita, Kansas, knows well what’s on the line in the coming days, months and year.
“I, of course, want to skate my best at nationals,” the 18-year-old from Haymarket, Virgina, said. “I believe this year’s U.S. Championships are important and sets the tone for Boston Worlds selections and the Olympics next year.
“My goal is to skate my programs the way I have been training and preparing them. I have to believe that if I do what I know I can, I have a chance to achieve my goal of being selected for the World Team and have a shot at the Olympic Team next year.”
SKATING magazine visited with the 2024 U.S. pewter medalist before the holidays to find out more about this burgeoning star, who just happens to share practice ice in Reston, Virginia, with World champion Ilia Malinin. Find out what makes her click in this comprehensive Q&A.
How did you get into skating?
I started skating when I was 6. My parents signed me up for Learn to Skate USA classes at our local rink in Haymarket. I skated recreationally for some time and the local coaching staff recommended I try a program at a different rink in Reston. I signed up for more classes and started taking some private lessons. Seeing higher-level figure skaters inspired me to keep learning and wanting to get better so I could also skate in competitions to beautiful music, with a real program, in a pretty dress.
What did you like most about it when you started?
I remember my first skating lesson and being excited that I didn’t fall. Overall, the thing I’ve always enjoyed about skating is the sense of freedom, speed and the feeling of flying across the ice.
When did you realize that you were pretty good?
Winning always gives a nice boost of confidence but then you move up a level or skate against stronger group of competitors and it makes you realize that you still have a lot to learn and master. Honestly, I have never felt like I was “pretty good” or that I was a favorite to win something; I have always felt like a bit of an underdog and realize that I need to keep growing in my skating.
What is your schedule like, going to Battlefield High School and then training?
My typical day starts at 5:30 a.m. I go to school every day. I take all my core classes in regular school and do some of the electives online. From there, I go straight to the rink and start my ice training sessions. During breaks from training, I do online classes or tutoring sessions to catch up on missed assignments. I am usually done with skating by 5 p.m. and then do ballet, dance or off-ice training until 6:30. I usually don’t get home until 7:30 p.m.
Do the students and teachers know how good you are at skating?
Before last year’s nationals, it was just my close friends and teachers who knew that I was a figure skater, and that was primarily because they were asking me why I was missing so much school. After the U.S. Championships, the word got out and now whenever I travel to competitions, teachers, students and school staff ask me how my skating is going. Sometimes I get stopped in the hallway and get asked if I’m “that figure skater.”
Talk about training alongside Ilia?
I have known Ilia for a long time, since I started skating in Reston, which was now almost 10 years ago. I have been friends with him all this time and have been seeing him skate for years. Seeing how hard he works and having an opportunity to train alongside him motivates me to continue improving and refining my skills. Watching him push the limits of what’s been thought of as impossible in figure skating and challenging those limits is inspiring. Training with him gives me confidence that if I continue working hard, anything is possible.
Tell us something fun or nice that people might not know about Ilia.
I think the side of Ilia that people don’t necessarily know much about is what a kind and caring friend he is. He’s always been encouraging and supportive of me and others at the rink, and he genuinely wants to see the best from everyone he supports.
What do you feel is your best one or two attributes as a skater?
I like to think of myself as a tough competitor. I set goals for myself, and I work toward them. In the past I have been able to focus on my programs and skate well at competitions. I take the confidence that I gain through practices and channel it into my skating. Knowing I am well-prepared helps me control the nerves and trust myself in competition.
Talk about your programs this season. What do you want to portray to the audience?
My short program is to “Reel Around The Sun” from Riverdance. I have had the idea to skate to this program for a while now. My dad’s parents have Irish roots and I thought It would be cool for me to skate to something I can connect to, as part of my heritage.
I pitched the idea to my coaches and they thought the music would fit me well. Then, when I went to get my programs choreographed, Shae-Lynn (Bourne) and I tested the music on the ice to see what worked best and what felt most natural and organic with my skating. After trying a few different program ideas, we kept returning to Riverdance and began creating a program. I enjoy having to skate to something fun and upbeat that draws the crowd in and hope to have a chance to show it in Boston.
My free program is Firebird by Igor Stravinsky. My coach Tatyana (Malinina) recommended this music because she thought it would work well with my skating and lends a character I can connect with in a program. As the Firebird, I start out under the spell of the Evil Sorcerer. Then the Firebird meets the prince who turns her to the light and shows all the kindness and good in people. In the middle of my program, during my step sequence, I enter into battle with Evil to help the good and free the imprisoned and oppressed. My Firebird fights to the death to bring light and hope to the world. I like this program; it is intense and physically demanding, but I truly enjoy skating to it.
What is your favorite moment from your skating career so far?
Nationals last year. My first two years on junior, I didn’t perform to my full potential, and it was important for me to skate well at the U.S. Championships last year. It was one of my biggest competitions with big lights and a huge crowd. After I had skated, I was ecstatic with my skate. Being able to finally put it together in that moment meant so much to me and I was overwhelmed with emotion. I still remember getting off the ice and hearing my coach jokingly say, “You were waiting the whole season to do that?”
How much time do you spend with your dog, Gracie?
Gracie is a sweet and lovable Golden Retriever. She is playful and loves to cuddle with me. Every night when I get home, she eagerly greets me. She is always by my side when I am hanging out at home.
Talk about your hobbies.
I enjoy painting and drawing as a form of relaxation.
I understand you have watched and read all the Harry Potter movies and books?
Yes, I have. And I know all the movie lines by heart! Every time I go to California for training or choreography, I like going to Harry Potter World in Universal Studios. I am huge fan.
Would you like to attend college? If so, where and what might you study?
I would like to attend college; I’m not 100% sure where yet. I have applied to a couple of schools in the area so I can stay local for right now. The fields I am interested in are psychology and neuroscience and that’s what I am hoping to study in college.
Do you know what you want to do for a career after skating?
The medical field has always been of interest to me. However, as far as the specific care choice, I’m not quite sure yet. I am hoping in college I get to learn more about different career paths and subjects I’m interested in to help me figure it out.
How supportive are your parents in your skating and studies? Were they skaters?
My parents are involved and supportive of me and my skating career. While they were not figure skaters, there were also very athletic growing up. My dad played hockey (he still plays in the adult league) and my mom did gymnastics and modern dance. I like to think that my figure skating is the merger of these sports and activities.
