Sandra Jean Rucker, better known as Sandy, is from California. After second place finish at NACS Vancouver this past summer, she will compete at Nationals this winter as a Novice.

When and how did you begin skating?
I began skating when I was four and a half years old in Palm Desert, CA. It was hot out in the summer and my mom would take my brothers and me to the mall to cool off. At the mall there was an ice rink. I would sit and watch the skaters for hours, begging my parents to let me skate. Finally, they said yes!

What competitions will you be at this season?
This season my goals are to place at North American Challenge, in Vancouver, Canada, and I want to return to nationals and improve on my 9th place finish. (I did place second at NAC [in August 2001] and brought home the silver medal in my first international competition. I have been having trouble with my back and received a bye for Regionals. I hope to be able to compete at Sectionals.) [Editor's Note: Sandra did not compete at Pacific Coast sectionals, but has received a medical bye to 2002 U.S. Nationals.]

What are your goals off the ice?
When I retire from skating I either want to be a coach or a doctor.

What are your goals for the season?
My goals include making all my triples consistent, and to entertain the audience while having fun.

What is your most memorable experience on the ice?
My most memorable experience on the ice was at Junior Nationals in New York. I didn't have such a great short program, but then I came back in the long and did a clean program.

What was your experience at Nationals last year like?
When I went to [the 2001] Nationals I had the best time! I didn't skate the best I could, but I had fun! I also had a great time meeting new people and watching the seniors skate. When you watch the seniors it helps to remind you of future goals and how far you have to go to get there. Meeting other skaters from across the United States and making new friends is something that I will keep with me for a lifetime. To go to nationals or junior nationals is a great experience and I only wish that all the competitive skaters could at some time have the same experience.

Are you remaining a Novice for this season?
I am skating this season as a returning Novice. My chance for the Olympics will not be until 2006, so I don't need to rush.

Which skaters do you admire and why?
I admire Michelle Kwan the most because she is a great athlete. She is graceful on the ice and a person to admire off the ice.

What is your favorite element of skating?
My favorite thing to do in skating is ... gliding across the ice, jumping up into the air, and spinning three times around. Doing triples is hard work, but I love the challenge of skating. Skating is so much fun!