Downers Grove Synchronized Skaters Win National Championship

Written by Lauren Traut

Four Downers Grove South High School students on the Downers Grove Dazzlers did just as the team name suggests. 

Caroline Conley, Julia Dolce, Olivia Dolce and Jillian Kozlowski and their teammates put in a flawless performance to claim first place in the intermediate division of the  U.S. Figure Skating Synchronized Skating National Championship Feb. 26-March 1 in Colorado Springs.

In preparation for the event—held more than 6,000 feet above sea level—the team skated for 15 minute straights without stopping, to up its endurance. 

It gave them that extra competitive edge.

"I think what helped us the most was our interval training," team captain Alyssa Pressley told icenetwork.com. "A lot of the girls on the team have never skated at altitude, so it helped us be physically fit to perform here."

Skating to what they called a "Fembot from outer space" program, the team pieced three musical selections into one program—complete with sound effects.

As part of the synchronized skating team, 12 to 20 athletes skate together, performing intricate footwork while executing difficult formations. Teams spend many hours training, with the ultimate goal of winning medals at the sectional, national and international levels.

Their team's performance at the Midwestern Synchronized Skating Sectional Championships in Hoffman Estates from January 23-25 earned it the right to compete at the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships. The top teams at the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships are selected to represent the United States at international competitions around the world.

"It was hard work and dedication," Goldenberg said on her team's improvement and win this weekend. "They came in for extra ice time on their own and really put their all into it."