What to Expect: Miami synchronized skating 2024-25 season

The Miami University synchronized skating program enters a new era this season under new head coach Katey Nyquist.

The senior synchronized skating team kicked off its 2024-25 season this past weekend at the Synchro Fall Classic in Irvine, California. The team placed fifth overall.

The collegiate team’s season will begin this weekend as they travel along with the senior team to Boston for a showing at the Boston Synchronized Skating Classic.

Nyquist takes the lead this year for her first season after former head coach Carla Degirolamo and assistant coach Lee Ann Shoker retired at the end of last season. She previously coached at the Denver Synchronicity organization.

The former five-time national champion expressed her excitement to be in this new position, but she assured the skaters that she’ll do whatever it takes to continue the program’s long-standing history, along with assistant coach Sammie Levine.

“I really wanted to make sure I was intentional when I came in, knowing that there is such a long legacy of success here at Miami,” Nyquist said. “I wanted to make sure I honored that and really listened to the athletes and heard where they felt we needed to make changes and where we should keep things the same.”

With a strong returning roster mixed with a handful of first-year skaters, the teams have high expectations coming off an undefeated collegiate team record and a national title last year.

Senior and collegiate team member Josephine Clark reflected on last year’s successes ahead of her final season.

“We want to raise the bar this season in the collegiate division and be the dominant force, bringing in new elements and a new style of skating that will raise the level of our division,” Clark said.

With both team’s seasons soon to be underway, the schedules showcase a mix of talented competition. The collegiate team will face former competitors at the Midwestern Sectional Championships and the Tri-State Competition, while the senior team aims to be a part of the World Team and gears up for international competition this year.

With a high caliber of talent across the roster, the teams are set for success and will hit the ice next on Nov. 23 in Boston.

“We want to match up to our competitors and create a new Miami,” senior skater Gabriella Quintero said. “I am really excited to showcase that this season.”