For most people, roller skating is just a hobby, but for senior Lauren McKie it’s a passion.

Lauren McKie started roller skating at the age of three with her older sister. She started competitive roller skating around the age of five.

“Originally my parents got me into roller skating and then from there I just started competitive because it’s what people do,” McKie said.

At first, rollerskating was tough for McKie but eventually it became easier when she got used to it and started having fun with it.

“Once you start doing it and get used to the rhythm of having wheels on your feet, it just comes naturally to you,” McKie said.

McKie used to skate on a precision team where everyone does the same moves synchronized, but now she does show and courtet.

“Show is more a dance and has a story to it,” McKie said.

Problems can sometimes occur when doing show and courtet because everyone on the team needs to be synchronized when competing or they risk losing points.

“People fall sometimes when we are competing and they get really disappointed because they feel like they let the team down,” McKie said. “Sometimes people get mad at the person who falls and that’s really terrible.”

McKie’s guidance counselor David Breglio e is impressed with McKie’s commitment to roller skating.

“Lauren was the first student I have worked with who did competitive roller skating and having a chance to speak with her and the level of commitment she has put into the sport is very impressive,” Breglio said.

Even though McKie feels as if sometimes she would like to quit because it can be too time consuming, she explains how competitive skating is a fun experience especially when the team gets along.

“Overall it’s definitely a lot of fun, and towards the end people really try and the team attitude comes through when it matters,” McKie said.