Sophomore Sophie Privette began her skating career at the age of three. Over the past few years, she has taken her passion to the next level by joining the varsity performance team in eighth grade. However, she recently found an additional form of expression with the help of the Winter Cheval’s dance team. Figure skating and dance occur simultaneously as winter sports, but Sophie balances the requirements with a full dedication to both teams.

Juggling school work and a sport can be a difficult task for a high school student. Sophie surpasses expectations while maintaining her school work, and practice schedules for figure skating and dance.

“It is definitely hard to balance, but I go to dance practice after school and skating practice before school so that I have time for both sports and can still stay dedicated to each team,” Sophie explained.

Help from her peers

With the support of her younger sister, a member of the figure skating team as well, she is able to make up any missed time from practices. New choreography or added skills to programs require practice for the team to perform well.

“I usually help to make sure that if she has to miss a varsity practice, she knows the changes we make to the program and we run it a couple of times on our own,” freshman Kyra Privette said.

While both teams are comprised of different girls, Sophie has formed incredible friendships in both environments. Figure skating and dance contain aspects of a sport and an art, this creates close bonds while working together to perform.

Sophie added the girls on both teams are “all so sweet and push me to become better every day.”

Sarah Kiel doubles as Sophie’s private lesson coach, and one of the two coaches for the figure skating team. She has noticed growth in Sophie’s time management skills from this challenge.

“She often runs from figure skating practice straight to a dance competition, and then back to perform with her team at hockey games in the afternoon,” Kiel explained.

The opportunities for new experiences are offered through many variations in high school. Sophie chose to begin dancing only a few short months ago.

“She did cheerleading as well this year, and she started liking the dancing aspect of cheer a lot more and decided to try the Winter Cheval’s dance team,” Kyra said. “I don’t think she realized how much she would like it and it’s become a huge part of her life.”

Looking into the future

Sophie plans to continue her participation on both teams as a junior. Furthermore, she hopes to take on a leadership position for figure skating during her fourth year on the team.

“I absolutely want to do both again because they show a different side of sports that people don’t normally get to experience. I am already looking forward to learning our competition dances for next year’s dance season, and excited to hopefully become captain and perform at more hockey games next year for skating,” Sophie explained.

These four formative years are a crucial part of development and preparation for the future. It is important to acquire the skills that will benefit work ethic and self motivation as an adult.

Kiel said learning time management in high school prepares students for college, where they may take a full load of courses and participate in various clubs and sports.

“Finding time to balance school and sports and also having dance competitions and skating games that overlap is difficult, but so rewarding,” Sophie said.