Above: The Skyliners junior team performs its emotional “Nessun Dorma” short program. Photo credit: Cynthia Slawter
By Taylor Dean
The Skyliners junior synchronized skating team is no stranger to success on the international stage, preparing for this week’s ISU World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships 2025 with the goal of capturing its sixth medal at the event.
The 2025 U.S. junior silver medalists have not only secured a medal at every U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships since 2015 but have medaled at every World Junior Championships that they have attended since 2018. The 2024 World junior bronze medalists continue to build on an impressive legacy.
Josh Babb, who is in his 22nd year of coaching the Skyliners junior team, emphasizes the importance of looking forward. That mindset has been key to the team’s sustained success as its approaches each season with determination and a commitment to improve.
“Every year is a fresh start,” Babb said. “We set goals with the group of athletes we have that year, and the athletes are proud of the legacy they are continuing.”
This year’s team is no exception. With a mix of seasoned skaters and newcomers, Skyliners junior have developed a strong sense of cohesion and teamwork. Juliana Gusak, a 15-year-old skater in her first year with the Skyliners junior, highlighted the connection the team works through both on and off the ice.
“At competition, we find a bond, whether it’s coming off a great skate or one we want to improve on,” she said. “We know what we all need and talking with each other is always helpful.”
The team worked with a sports psychologist this season, further strengthening their communication and mental preparation. For skaters like Gusak, that process, alongside exposure to international competition, has prepared the Skyliners junior for the World Junior stage.
The team’s journey this season has been accentuated by growth and resilience. After finishing fifth at their first Challenger Series competition (Dresden Cup) in Germany, the Skyliners junior took the feedback from judges and used it as fuel to improve. Just a few weeks later, they rallied to capture bronze at the 2025 U.S. Synchronized Skating International Classic in Norwood, Massachusetts.
“I think it’s important, whether it’s on domestic soil or international soil, getting the athletes out to compete,” Babb said. “Given them the opportunities to have those experiences and understand the pressures of international competition, those are key as well as part of the development of the season.”
The Skyliners junior’s development permeates in their programs, reflecting their classic style and artistic growth. Their short program to “Nessun Dorma” is a powerful and emotional piece that encourages the skaters to convey deep expression.”
“This team has a distinct classic style, so I thought this music would be a great fit for them,” Babb said. “I love how the elements go to the music, and I’ve seen the team mature in their ability to express it.”
“Nessun Dorma” was a meaningful choice for the team, because it allows them to explore a more mature and emotional side of their skating. The Turandot aria can be a challenging piece, but the program’s intricate transitions and challenging elements highlight skaters’ technical skills and showcase their ability to tell a story through movement.
The free skate, meanwhile, is a theme inspired by the dance of the Northern Lights in the sky. The choreography and composition tell a story of beauty and unity. The skaters perform a visual and emotional journey that mimics the dancing and twirling movements of the Northern Lights. The team has worked to perfect the synchronization and flow of the program. The result is a performance that the Skyliners junior hope will captivate the audience and judges.
“The Northern Lights are all different, but they come together to make something beautiful,” Gusak said. “That’s our mindset every time we skate the program. It feels like we’re creating something magical.”
As the Skyliners junior prepare for the World Juniors, they are focused on delivering their best performances of the season. For Gusak, the goal is clear: “I just want all of our hard work from practice to be seen on the ice during our performance.”
Gusak’s excitement is shared by her teammates. For veterans on the team, it’s a chance to continue building on the team’s success and legacy. For newcomers, it’s an opportunity to make their mark on the World Junior stage.
With two solid programs and a group of dedicated skaters, Babb is confident that the team can rise to the occasion.
“This is a cohesive group, and they’ve worked incredibly hard,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing them shine.”
Don't miss Skyliners junior compete at the ISU World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships 2025 this week. For results, how to watch information and more, visit the U.S. Figure Skating Fan Zone.
