2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships Preview

by Katie Fiore

Novice

The novice event will begin Thursday, Feb. 27 at 1:50 PM. This event consists of twelve (12) teams. 

The first group will consist of the Starlights (MW), Matrix (PAC), Team del Sol (PAC), and DC EDGE (EAST). The Starlights are coming off of a Pewter finish (66.71) at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating MW Sectionals. The Starlights are skating to a dramatic “Titanic” themed program, and have consistently medaled throughout the season. Pacific Coast contenders, Matrix and Team Del Sol will skate next. DC EDGE (EAST) finishes out the first group.

Group 2 will begin at 1:43 PM, consisting of the Hockettes (MW), Skyliners Black (EAST), Northernettes (MW), and Team Image (EAST). Recipients of the bronze medal (70.63) at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating MW Sectional Championships, the Hockettes, will be performing their “Women Empowerment” themed program. Based upon previous scores, the Hockettes are certainly contenders for a spot on the podium. Up next, Skyliners Black (EAST) will take the ice. Skyliners Black is coming off of a second-place finish at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating Eastern Sectional Championships, where they received a total score of 74.64. Skyliners Black will be vying for a medal as their most recent performance featured the highest-scoring travel circle 4 of the event, earning 6.20. The Minnesota-based Northernettes (MW) will follow, skating to selections from The Pink Panther. The Northernettes missed the podium at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating MW Sectional Championships by just 1.43, leading many to believe they will be ones to watch this weekend. Team Image (EAST) will conclude the second group, coming off of a 5th place finish and a total score of 61.84 at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating Eastern Sectional Championships.

The final group of the novice free skate will begin at 2:26 PM, consisting of the Star Mates (EAST), Crystallettes (MW), Skyliners Blue (EAST), and Teams Elite (MW).  Following Skyliners black by just 2.64, Star Mates are coming off of a bronze medal and a total score of 72.00 at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating Eastern Sectional Championships. The Star Mates (EAST) will perform a “Swing” themed piece and are eager to regain their spot on the national podium. Crystallettes (MW) are next to take the ice, performing a beautiful piece to “You Say”. The Crystallettes made a strong impression at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating MW Sectional Championships, where they placed second and received a total score of 76.56. They will certainly be carrying their momentum into this coming weekend and will be battling it out for a top spot. Skyliners Blue (EAST) is up next, coming off of a gold medal total score of 80.31 at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating Eastern Sectional Championships. Their dynamic “Aladdin” program will be a performance you won’t want to miss! Certain to finish out the event in an exciting fashion, Teams Elite (MW) will perform next. Teams Elite is coming off of a win at 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating MW Sectional Championships, where they received a huge score of 97.09. It will be exciting to see how their “Proud Mary” piece fills the stadium!

Masters

The masters division will begin Thursday, Feb. 27 at 4:04 PM. This event consists of twelve (12) teams.

The first group will include the Goldenettes (MW), Allegro! (MW), Infinity Onyx (MW), IceSymmetrics (PAC), Espirit De Corps (EAST), and Washington Ice Emeralds (MW). The Goldenettes (MW), will be the first to skate. The Goldenettes are coming off of a silver medal and total score of 36.01 at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating MW Sectional Championships. Allegro! (MW) is up next. The 2019 U.S. National Champions are coming off of a first-place finish and total score of 38.80 at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating MW Sectional Championships, and will be performing a sassy “Vogue” themed program. Infinity Onyx (MW) will follow, most recently receiving a total score of 23.45. Based in Oakland, California, the 2019 U.S. Synchronized Skating National silver medalists, IceSymmetrics are up next. This team most recently won the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating Pacific Sectional Championships where they earned a total score of 34.09. 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating Eastern Sectional Champions, Espirit De Corps (EAST), will perform next. This team most recently earned 43.32, and will definitely be in the mix this weekend. Washington Ice Emeralds (PAC) will skate next, followed by the 2019 U.S. Synchronized Skating National bronze medalists, the Goldenettes (MW).

The final group begins at 4:08 PM consisting of Gotham City Synchro (EAST), The Colonials (EAST), DC EDGE (EAST), Denver Synchronicity (PAC), and Starlights (MW). Just 1.9 separated Gotham City Synchro (EAST) and The Colonials (EAST) at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating Eastern Sectional Championships. The two teams finished third (30.26), and fourth (28.36), respectively. DC EDGE (EAST) is next to take the ice, skating to selections from “Sister Act”. DC EDGE placed second at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating Eastern Sectional Championships where they earned a total score of 38.58. DC EDGE has trailed closely behind Espirit De Corps this season, providing the potential for a podium finish. Denver Synchronicity (PAC) will be looking to defend their spot on the podium from the 2019 U.S. Synchronized Skating National Championships where they received the pewter medal. Newcomers to the masters event, Starlights, will round out the flight.

Junior 

The junior short program will begin Thursday, Feb. 27 at 5:54 PM. The event will conclude with the junior free skate, Friday, Feb. 28 at 5:07 PM. This event consists of twelve (12) teams.

The junior division has been incredibly exciting to follow this year. There has been a lot of fierce competition, specifically revolving around selections for the 2020 Junior World Team. Opening the junior short program are 2020 Junior World Team members (USA 2), Teams Elite (MW). Despite their second year status in the junior division, Teams Elite has quickly become one of the best U.S. junior teams. The team recently captured the silver medal with an impressive score of 184.73 at the 2020 Spring Cup. Teams Elite will be performing their short program to a rendition of “Ain’t No Sunshine” and their dramatic free program to “Sound of Silence”. 2020 Junior World Team Members (USA 1), Skyliners (EAST), will be performing their short program last in the second group (approx. 6:11 pm). Skyliners have consistently received high scores throughout the season and will be looking to reclaim their title as National Champions. The team most recently finished fourth at the 2020 French Cup, where they earned a total score of 183.00. Skyliners will be skating to a “CATS” themed short program in addition to a stunning free program set to “Moulin Rouge”. 

Lexettes (EAST) will be skating second in the first group of the junior short program. The Lexettes are coming off of a third-place finish at the 2020 Spring Cup, receiving a total score of 175.20. The Lexettes will be performing a short program set to selections from Pentatonix. Their beautiful long program will be performed to “Music was my First Love”. The Lexettes have proven themselves as strong national and international competitors this year, and definitely worthy of a spot on the podium. 2019 U.S. Synchronized Skating National silver medalists, Starlights (MW), will be closing out the junior short program (approx. 6:56 PM). The Starlights are performing an innovative 2-part “Cinderella” themed program. The Starlights have made a positive impression internationally this season, at both the 2020 Leon Lurje Trophy and the 2020 Britannia Cup. Notably, they placed first in the free program at the Britannia Cup with a score of 113.26, finishing second overall with a total score of 168.7. 

Team Image (EAST) will be performing their powerful “Latin” themed short program second in the last group, and are certainly a team to watch. Team Image represented Team USA at the 2020 Zagreb Snowflakes Trophy where they finished third after skating their “Gladiator” free program. DC EDGE (EAST) will follow Team Image in the short program event. DC EDGE will be pursuing a top spot, skating their short program to “I Want To Hold Your Hand” and their free program to a fun “Conductor and the Orchestra” theme. DC EDGE has made incredible strides as a junior team this past season, including earning a bronze medal on behalf of Team USA at the 2020 Britannia Cup with a total score of 150.89. 

Hockettes (MW) will be vying for a medal and are last to skate in the first group. The 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating MW Sectional Champions will be performing a “Hawaiian” themed short program and a “Warrior” themed free program. Following closely behind at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating MW Sectional Championships were the Northernettes (MW). The Northernettes surpassed the Hockettes with their “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” themed free program by 1.4, yet finished second overall. The Northernettes will be skating their “Pirates of the Carribean” short program fourth in the second group (approx 6:05 PM). 

Fon Du Lac Blades (MW) and Saint Louis Synergy (MW) will also be in the mix, both teams coming off of strong performances at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating MW Sectional Championships. Team Delaware (EAST), Synchroettes (EAST), and newcomers, Dazzlers (MW) are also of note.

Intermediate

The intermediate division will begin Friday, Feb 28. at 2:40 PM This event consists of twelve (12) teams.

2019 U.S. Synchronized Skating National Champions, the Ice Mates (EAST), will be looking to reclaim their title. The Ice Mates are coming off of a first-place finish at the 2020 U.S. Eastern Sectional Synchronized Skating Championships, where they received a total score of 64.90. Skyliners (EAST) captured the bronze at the 2019 U.S. Synchronized Skating National Championships and followed closely behind the Ice Mates at the 2020 U.S. Eastern Sectional Synchronized Skating Championships. It will be interesting to watch the rivalry between these two East-Coast teams play out. 

Ones to watch from the Midwest, Teams Elite (MW), narrowly missed the gold by just 2.66 at the 2019 U.S. Synchronized Skating National Championships. However, the team recently earned first-place and a score of 70.78 at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating MW Sectional Championships. Newcomers, Triangle Formation (EAST), are certain to make a big impression this weekend, as they trailed closely behind Skyliners at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating Eastern Sectional Championships. The consistently powerful Capital Ice Chips (MW) will be defending their spot on the podium, skating to an eery “Amber Alert” themed program. The team recently placed second at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating MW Sectional Championships, followed by the Starlights. The Starlights (MW) will be vying for a national medal, skating to a “Gender Wars” themed program.

Senior

The senior short program will begin Friday, Feb. 28. at 4:54 PM The event will conclude with the senior free skate, Saturday, Feb. 29 at 7:04 PM. This event consists of five (5) teams.

The senior division is always very exciting at the U.S. Synchronized Skating National Championships. The 2020 ISU World Synchronized Skating Championships are at stake, this year being held in Lake Placid, New York. The Haydenettes (EAST) will certainly be pursuing their 28th U.S. national title and their spot on the U.S. World Team. The Haydenettes will be performing their stunning short program set to “It’s All Coming Back To Me Now” by Celine Dion, in addition to their showstopping free program, with an “INXS” theme. The Haydenettes have had some outstanding international performances this season, including a gold medal at the 2020 Britannia Cup with a total score of 206.66. The Haydenettes also finished fifth at the 2020 French Cup in an incredibly competitive field. The Skyliners (EAST) will be looking to defend their national medal and earn a spot on the 2020 U.S. World Team. The Skyliners most recently finished fifth at the 2020 Spring Cup, earning a huge score of 210.04. Skyliners free program, set to “Queen” is one Team GIC recommends you get good seats for! 

Crystallettes (MW) will be performing their short program to “Amen”, followed by their incredible “Black Widow” themed free program. The Crystallettes followed behind Skyliners at the 2020 Spring Cup, earning a total score of 178.95. The Crystallettes are certain to captivate the audience this weekend, in addition to fighting for top placement. Miami University (MW) will be performing their short program to a rendition of “Amazing Grace”, followed by their “Rise Up” themed free program. Miami’s emotional programs have awarded them admirable finishes throughout the season. The team earned a total score of 179.48 at the French Cup and a total score of 186.98 at the 2020 Leon Lurje Trophy. This team is certainly determined to reclaim their spot on the podium. Adrian College (MW) will round out the division. Adrian College will be skating their sassy “Let Me Think About It” short program, and their “Seasons” themed long program. Adrian College placed second at the 2020 Britannia Cup, earning a total score of 171.90. The team put out their personal best long program performance at the 2020 Zagreb Snowflakes Trophy, earning a total FS score of 126.43. Adrian College will be giving it their all this weekend, vying for a national medal!

Juvenile

The juvenile division will begin Saturday, Feb. 29 at 11:43 AM. The event will consist of twelve (12) teams. 

2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating Midwestern Sectional Champions, Teams Elite will open the event. Teams Elite will be performing their “Toy Soldiers” program, previously helping them earn a total score of 51.46. Teams Elite missed the gold medal at the 2019 U.S. Synchronized Skating National Championships by just 2.12, being edged out by the Skyliners (EAST). Skating to a “Sailor” theme, Skyliners most recently won the sectional title at the U.S. Synchronized Skating Eastern Sectional Championships, earning a total score of 49.79. These two juvenile teams will definitely be vying for the top placements this weekend. Starlights (MW), Wisconsin Inspire (MW),  DC EDGE (EAST), and Mini Mates (EAST), are all coming off of strong finishes at their respective sectional competitions and will be ones to watch!

Adult

The adult division will begin Saturday, Feb. 29 at 1:51 PM. This event consists of thirteen (13) teams.

Crystallettes (MW) will be looking to regain their national title, skating to a “Women Empowerment” theme. Espirit De Corps (EAST) will also be aiming for the gold, coming off of a win at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating Eastern Sectional Championships, where they earned a total score of 54.23. Team Delaware (EAST), and Team Excel (EAST) will prove to be strong contenders from the east coast, scoring within roughly 3 points of Espirit De Corps at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating Eastern Sectional Championships. Though both Starlights (MW) and Allegro! (MW) missed the national podium last season, the two teams are well within reach of a top spot this coming weekend given their previous scores of 48.06 and 44.25, respectively. DC EDGE (EAST) and Colonials (EAST) are certainly in the mix as well, scoring just 0.29 apart and placing 5th and 6th, respectively at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating Eastern Sectional Championships.

With so many possible outcomes (given such close scores throughout the season), the adult event is going to be fierce this weekend! 

Collegiate

The collegiate division will begin Saturday, Feb. 29 at 4:44 PM. This event will consist of twelve (12) teams. 

Miami University (MW) aims to make history in the collegiate division by winning their recurring national title. At the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating MW Sectional Championships, the team earned an impressive 100.32 skating to a “Girl Gang” themed program. Following behind at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating MW Sectional Championships, Adrian College (MW). Skating to Aladdin, the team is coming off of a victory at the 2020 Tri-States Synchronized Skating Competition and will be sure to make a big impression this weekend. University of Michigan (MW), skating to the Beatles, has consistently improved throughout the 2020 season. The team most recently placed second at the 2020 Synchro Illinois competition, where they earned a total score of 82.35. Team Delaware will be fighting for a spot on the podium, skating to “Fifty Shades of Gray”. Team Delaware recently won their sectional competition, where they earned a total score of 80.38. 2019 U.S. Synchronized Skating National silver medalists, Western Michigan University (MW) will be skating to a “Witches” theme. Western Michigan University hopes to refine their technical score and reoccur as national medalists. Michigan State University is also in the mix, coming off of a pewter finish at the 2020 U.S. Synchronized Skating MW Championships. MSU has received comparable scores to University of Michigan and WMU throughout the season. 

The collegiate division is thriving in terms of size and skating skills! Three (3) varsity programs will compete; Adrian College Varsity, Miami University Varsity, Trine University Varsity.

This event is the final stop of the 2020 season, and all of these teams will be bringing their a-game.  Make sure to stay updated by following @GetItCalled all weekend!