In a thrilling start to the 2025 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships, defending champions Teams Elite from Northbrook, Illinois, set the bar high with a commanding performance in the short program. The team, which has been a dominant force in synchronized skating, secured a score of 76.18, their best-ever performance at the U.S. Championships. This impressive score places them at the top of a competitive field of nine teams heading into Thursday’s free skate at the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs.

Madison Ortiz, a veteran competitor with five years on the team, shared her thoughts on the performance. “We’ve had a few competitions this season, so we weren’t as nervous,” she said. “I felt we got into the ice.”

Evie Stuckey, who is on her sixth year with the team, echoed Ortiz’s sentiments. “The crowd was great, and we were able to feed off their energy,” Stuckey said. “That helped motivate us to tell our story.”

Teams Elite’s execution was flawless, earning grades of 2.32 or better on four of their five elements and achieving all Level 4s in their program set to Mozart’s “Lacrimosa.” Their intersection generated a program-best 10.18 points, showcasing their precision and synchronization.

Following closely behind, the Skyliners from Fairfield, Connecticut, posted a season’s best score of 73.22. The team, known for their energetic performances, skated to “Nessun Dorma” by The Tenors. Emily Duarte, a team member with eight years of experience, described the performance as “energetic and lively.” “Going as the last team, we just wanted to perform and leave everything on the ice,” she said.

The Skyliners’ Level 4 intersection, awarded 10.18 points, was a highlight of the evening. Duarte explained, “We really just give it our all at the end of the whip. That’s when the music is at a high and the energy. We are almost through with the program, and we want to give it our all.”

The Skyliners, who are the defending silver medalists and the winningest team in the history of the U.S. Championships at the junior level, are poised to continue their winning streak. They will represent Team USA at the ISU World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships 2025 in Hungary next month.

In third place, the Lexettes from Norwood, Massachusetts, delivered a strong performance with a team-best score of 69.68. They performed to music from the soundtrack of The Mask of Zorro.

Third-year Lexette Alexa Kennedy commented on their performance, “We’ve been trying to put the finishing touches on this program, and I think that showed up on the ice tonight.” The Lexettes’ opening intersection produced a program-high 9.53 points with a GOE of 2.28. The team finished fourth at the 2024 U.S. Championships, demonstrating their continuous improvement and dedication to the sport.

Placing fourth was Team Image from Hackensack, New Jersey, with a score of 67.51. This team has shown resilience and determination, reflecting the competitive spirit of the championships.

Fans can follow the ongoing competition and results by visiting ussynchrochampionships.com.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Synchronized Skating

The 2025 U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships highlight the growing popularity and competitiveness of synchronized skating in the United States. With teams like Teams Elite and the Skyliners leading the way, the future of the sport looks bright. These championships serve as a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and gain exposure to international competitions, such as the ISU World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships.

The increasing participation and interest in synchronized skating reflect a broader trend in figure skating, where teamwork and synchronization are as crucial as individual skill. This trend is evident in the rising number of junior and senior teams across the country, each bringing unique styles and performances to the ice.

As the competition continues, fans and athletes alike are eager to see how these teams will perform in the free skate and beyond. The 2025 Championships are not just a test of skill and synchronization but also a celebration of the sport’s rich history and its promising future.