Collegiate Synchro: Liberty University

by Kenzie Brouk

This week we are featuring the Liberty Synchronized Skating Team with Hannah Pulley and Emily Wilson who are both recent graduates. The team competed in the open collegiate division this past season, but hope to move back to the collegiate division for the 2021-2022 season.

What is your favorite thing about the team?

“My favorite part about Liberty Synchro would be the team culture. Without our special team bond, it would be hard to work together. We like to focus on keeping a positive team culture, and promote team bonding from day one of each season.”, states Pulley. Wilson says, “I love how Liberty Synchro skaters are immediately welcomed into a positive and lively team environment. Bonding starts right at bootcamp, and those relationships have the opportunity to flourish as the season progresses. Liberty Synchro creates the opportunity for life-long friendships that last beyond college.”

What has been your favorite memory with the team so far?

Both Pulley and Wilson agreed that traveling to competitions as a team will always hold some of their favorite memories. “Whether we went on a plane or a bus we were always laughing and creating the best memories that I will carry with me forever. I also love how the coaches would find somewhere exciting to stop on our way to competitions. For example, on our way to Connecticut we stopped in NYC for a night and got to see Times Square and skate outdoors at Central Park,” Pulley stated.

If you had one piece of advice for high school students looking to skate in college, what would it be?

“Follow your heart and skate in college! It may be overwhelming at first, but it is well worth it in the end! With all the amazing memories and forever relationships you will never want it to end,” Pulley stated. A lot of skaters decide to move across the country for the opportunity to skate in college, but it can be difficult to be so far away from families at times and Wilson, originally from California says, “Don’t be afraid to stretch your horizons. I took a leap of faith by moving out to Virginia for college. By coming to Liberty, my teammates became an extended part of my family.”

How do you balance being a student athlete?

Both Pulley and Wilson stress that time management is crucial with being a student-athlete. The team is composed of skaters with varying majors such as nursing, exercise science, education, business, and more, but even with a hectic schedule the staff at Liberty University wants to see you succeed. Pulley states that, “Liberty’s Club Sport academic staff will help lead you by letting you know what classes to take and even setting up one-on-one tutoring for you.” Wilson adds that, “My electronic and physical planners have been my saviors which have helped me navigate through my busy schedules.” In the end it’s finding out what works best for you.

Does the team have any traditions?

Wilson speaks on the team traditions saying that, “Two songs which are always played before performances include “Now or Never” from High School Music 3 and “You Can’t Stop Me” by Andy Mineo. Being a Christian university and team, we also aim to begin practices with prayer to start off with a positive and calm mindset. Other traditions outside of the rink include visits to the pumpkin patch in the fall and team potlucks around holidays.”

Goals for next season?

The team goal is to rise back to the collegiate division for next season. “Next season, the team aims to increase numbers and continue to have tremendous amounts of positivity throughout the entire season”, states Wilson. With both skaters graduating this year they are excited to see what the team can accomplish in the future.

What has continuing to skate in college meant to the both of you?

“Junior year of high school I started looking at colleges and I realized I wasn’t done with skating or synchro. Therefore, my college search/decision was based upon my major, campus style, and skating! Liberty’s campus and social culture is what really did it for me. I felt welcomed from the first time I stepped foot in Lynchburg, Virginia. I have made relationships with skaters and non-skaters that will last a lifetime! I wouldn’t change a thing,” says Pulley. With Wilson she says, “I cannot express in words how much the last four years have meant to me. When I first came to Liberty, I was a less-confident and more reserved skater. During my first bootcamp as a freshman, I immediately felt welcomed, which helped my walls begin to crumble. Through these teams, I have found life-long friends/sisters and gained more confidence in my own self. From crazy bus rides, energetic practices and bonding in the locker room, and setting new team records, I will cherish all of the memories I have made here.”

Additional information:

The team hosts a College for a Weekend (CFAW) event that occurs four times a season! Information about tryouts is posted in August before each season. If you are interested in learning more about what Liberty Synchro has to offer you, contact Coach Emily Hughes at erhalvorson@liberty.edu. You can also keep updated with the team on Instagram @libertyusynchro or like them on Facebook at Liberty University Synchronized Skating Team.