Slaby skates to success
After 12 years of skating, NH senior Emily Slaby made it to the Synchronized Skating World Championship with her team the Chesapeake Captains.
“My team is crazy, energetic, and memorable,” said Slaby.
Slaby worked hard to get to the level that she is at now with the Captains. She started skating with the Chesapeake Topsails in 2005.She stayed on this team for three years at the Beginner Two level.
“The Skipjacks were created after that because our skills were increasing. I skated on that team for one year on the Beginner Three level. The next year I moved up to the Sailors and skated on that team for four years. The first year we were Open-Juvenile, but we eventually moved up to the Intermediate level,” said Slaby.
In the 2012-2013 season her team qualified for nationals for the first time. Many of the skaters on this team were graduating and over the age limit of 17. Slabys coach decided that a collegiate team would be possible, so the Captains were created.
This season the Chesapeake Captains had 14 people on the team, and they skated with 12. The team only has the opportunity to practice one day a week since many of the members are from colleges all over Maryland. When they do get the chance to practice, it may even be off-ice.
For Slaby to be on a collegiate team she had to make some adjustments to her senior schedule this year.
“This year I decided to do senior waiver, so I could start earning college credit. I did not need many credits to graduate high school, so the last ones I need, I am earning at HCC. I am a full-time student at the college, and I am currently taking 14 credits. It is a wonderful experience and opportunity,” said Slaby.
Also this season Slabys team qualified for Nationals in Colorado Springs, CO which was from February 26 until March 1. The team continued with their weekly practices but increased the intensity.
“We had our usual weekly practices with a twist. The air in Colorado is extremely thin because of the altitude, so we skated with medical masks to restrict our air. When we arrived there, we hiked up a mountain. Some of the team expected it, but we were trying to stay modest to not get too overwhelmed,” said Slaby.
The Chesapeake Captains finished 10th in the Nation this year! But now that nationals are over Slaby has continued with her individual lessons, trying new step sequences. There are also weekly skill sessions that she attends to keep skating. Tryouts for next season have already taken place.
Also to keep her body in top shape Slaby does some cross training.
“I run a bit in the summer to keep my stamina up for the new season’s program in the fall. Sometimes our coach gives us exercises and stretches to help with new skill,” said Slaby.
As far as synchronized skating being an Olympic sport, Slaby supports it 100%.
“Many people have said, during this past Olympic games, that they introduced a team event, but synchro is the real team event. It is highly competitive and able to be scored numerically. During the Olympics, many supports got the #WhyNotSynchro2018 trending,” said Slaby.
