The Figure Skating club has a supportive environment where everyone works together to push through challenges that arise on the ice.

The Figure Skating club has eight members and welcomes anyone interested, regardless of previous figure skating experience. The club meets to practice at the NorthStar Ice Sports and the skaters look forward to their first competition in January.

Since getting approved as a club in 2022, the organization has dealt with challenges many other organizations don’t face, mainly due to safety concerns. 

“We had to go through a couple meetings with Mr. Bevan so our club could even be approved by the school,” co-president and senior Akshaya Pugazendhi said. “Just because it’s an off-campus thing, anything we did on the ice would be considered kind of dangerous.”

According to Pugazendhi, figure skating is often misconceived as a sport that must be begun young to be any good. However, she says it’s just like any other sport and you can learn it at any stage in life. 

“I know plenty of people who started late but are at my level,” Pugazendhi, who has been skating for 12 years, said. “It’s really cool to see how fast people can progress as long as they put their best into it.”

Pugazendhi says the only thing holding someone back from advancing in figure skating is fear. She believes a person’s ability to skate and progress in the sport all depends on their mindset.

“Growth mindset is best,” Pugazendhi said. “As long as you think, ‘I’m going to put my best towards this. Regardless of how I feel I’m going to put my best towards skating.’”

Depending on their ability, skaters are leveled by the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA) between Pre-Preliminary Singles, the lowest competition level, to Gold Singles, the highest competition level. The skaters in the club range from levels Bronze and Pre-Silver Singles to Gold Singles. 

Pugazendhi currently competes at Gold Singles and believes there will always be ups and downs in skating, but what truly matters is pushing through the downs and taking advantage of the ups.

“At my level, I sometimes cry at the rink, but regardless I have to put my best in the rink the very next day,” Pugazendhi said.

Club member freshman Jane Belniak believes figure skating is a great way to express herself and enjoys its variety and challenges.

“I love that it always poses a challenge and I’m constantly working towards goals to try to level up,” Belniak said.

The club as a whole is excited to put their skills to the test in their first competition, but Pugazendhi says what matters primarily is for everyone to enjoy themselves and find a way to express themselves through figure skating.

“Just have fun,” Pugazendhi said. “Figure skating is such a fun sport and a great time.”