Collegiate Synchro: Trine University

by Kenzie Brouk

The next team we are featuring is Trine University’s Synchronized Skating teams, which will be fielding open-collegiate, collegiate, and open-adult teams for this upcoming season. Trine with its inaugural season occurring in 2018, is one of three fully-funded programs in the country. Team members Isabelle Jordan, Hannah Reding, Jessica Westphal, and Zakareya Yousef all gave a glimpse into what makes Trine Skating special. 

What is your favorite thing about the team?

Yousef, a captain for the open-collegiate team states that, “My favorite aspect about our team is our culture. We are so supportive of one another, through the bad times and good. We look out for each other, make sure we’re set up for success on the ice and in the classroom, and so much more. I’m a huge believer in team culture being a catalyst for success in athletics and Trine certainly checks that box for me.” Jordan, a captain for the intercollegiate team, highlights the culture as well, “My favorite thing about Trine Skating is the atmosphere that we create as a team. Our coach has worked so hard to emphasize that mistakes will be made and that it’s okay- as long as we continue to learn and better ourselves. The way we support each other is unmatched to anything I’ve felt before.” Westphal, also a captain for the intercollegiate team, adds that “I love the supportive community of Trine Skating. Despite a vast difference in levels and abilities, we can come together to support each other in school, skating, and in many other activities. At competitions, I have loved the support from fellow Trine Skaters.”

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

Jordan expressed that the teams first experience at Nationals in Providence, Rhode Island back in 2020 will always hold a special place in her heart, “ In my first year, the nationals experience always stands out for many reasons between traveling, competing, seeing a new place, but I mainly think of right after we finished our program and just feeling this overwhelming sense of love. For the people I shared the ice with, Rachel, all the family members in the audience- I knew how hard everyone worked for us to be on the national stage in the second year of our program and first year as a collegiate team. I could’ve exploded with gratitude.” With Yousef, he easily said that “My favorite memory with Trine has to be the 2019 Mentor Diamond Classic. It was the first time a team had ever represented Trine in the collegiate division and we had overcome so much in preparation for that competition.” Reding, a sophomore member, shares a different memory from this past season during the pandemic, “My favorite memory with the team was finishing our program because you could feel the excitement in the air. We didn’t know at the beginning of the school year if we would even have the chance to be on the ice so to have a whole program done was such an accomplishment.”

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

Westphal explains that “It’s ok to be scared and to be uncomfortable. Sometimes, you need to go outside of your comfort zone to meet your best friends or have the best experiences at college. However, your college experience will be a result of the time and energy you put into it. The more you invest in your team, friends, and other social and academic opportunities, the more you will enjoy it.” Reding adds, “Allow yourself to grow. It’s a big adjustment moving from high school to college. Give yourself grace and understand you won’t be perfect all the time and that’s okay.”

How do you balance being a student-athlete?

Yousef shares, “This question pops up a lot for student-athletes, and the truth is a lot of us struggle really with it (including myself). I balance academics and skating the best by studying outside of my room, scheduling time to relax and do things outside of skating. I’ve struggled with having an identity outside of skating in the past and it’s something that I’ve recently worked on, exploring or finding other interests and passions outside of skating has helped me keep my best balance possible.” “Something that took me some time to realize is that skating while pursuing a degree is such a privilege. Skating with Trine is like living in a dream so taking a second to appreciate where I am and the opportunities I have helps me remember everything I’m trying to achieve in the classroom as well as on the ice. Devoting time to school and skating is extremely important as not many people get to have the same experience in college,” Jordan stated. 

Does the team have any traditions?

Reding shares, “Even though I haven’t completed a full “normal” season with Trine, we did not skimp out on the traditions. Coach Rachel always gave us a jolly rancher before each performance, and we used the same warm-up songs throughout the whole year.” If you follow Trine Skating on social media you might know this next tradition, “Party bus! We always bring a big speaker on bus trips with us. On the way to the competition and back home, we have dance parties and have our own “party bus”! I love the energy in these moments”, Westphal highlighted. 

Goals for the next season?   

“My goal for next season is to skate with a new passion. I feel like as skaters we put so much pressure on ourselves to be perfect, and while that’s not always a bad thing, I decided this year I’m going to skate to the best of my abilities and be proud of myself every time I get off the ice,” Reding expressed. “My personal goals for next season are to soak up every second and appreciate the time I get to spend with my teammates as we (hopefully!) have a more normal competition season. A harsh reality of collegiate athletics is that we only have four years with our team and then we’re off into the real world. COVID-19 has put a lot of this into perspective for me and I don’t want to waste another second with my team. Oh, and I’d like to be on the sectional podium with my team next season,” Yousef shared.

What has continuing to skate in college meant to you?

Westphal shares,” Skating in college has provided another family at Trine for me. I love being part of a team because I feel that skaters understand each other on a different level. Skating at Trine has provided me countless opportunities to lead, meet new people and continue my passion for skating as long as I can.” Yousef highlights that “Continuing my skating career in college has meant that I can represent an institution that feels like my second home. A lot of skaters never get to represent their school while growing up, so getting to represent my university has been an honor and has taught me lessons that I will use for the rest of my life!”

Additional Information:

The team usually holds tryouts in April where skaters receive a tentative placement and rosters are finalized when skaters arrive on campus in August. If you are interested in learning more and trying out for the team you can fill out the prospective skater form linked here: https://connect.trine.edu/register/fmathlete or email the head coach Rachel Franchock at franchockr@trine.edu 

The program also offers a fully funded intercollegiate team. Skaters at Trine can choose to participate in synchro, intercollegiate, or both. Stay connected with the team on social media via Instagram @trineskating, Twitter @TrineSkating, and Facebook, @Trine University Varsity Skating Teams.