Lauren Hennessy, 16, trains in Colorado Springs, CO. She skates for the Broadmoor SC and is coached by Tom Zakrajsek and Damon Allen. Hennessy competes in both freestyle and dance. She finished 8th at Nationals this past year as a Novice lady.

How, when and why did you begin skating?
I started skating in Chicago when I was five years old. My dad played hockey in Canada through college, and he thought it would be great if the whole family could go on weekends to public skating sessions. My mom signed me up for Learn to Skate once a week at the local rink. I begged my parents to sign me up for lessons twice a week. My mom also took skating lessons, but she quit when I passed her up in Freestyle 2!

What are your long-term goals, both in skating and off the ice?
My long-term goals for skating would include continuing to skate for as long as I can. I love every minute I'm on the ice. And hopefully many more US National trips are in my future. It would also be amazing to compete internationally because I love to travel and experience different cultures.

Off the ice, I would like to pursue my education because there is so much more I would like to and need to learn. After high school, I would like to attend University of Denver and study sports medicine. The only negative is I can't stand their hockey team, the Pioneers! Go Colorado College Tigers!

What are your goals for next season?
Next season, I would like to continue to improve my freestyle and ice dancing. I am working very hard to be the best skater I can be. I am so excited about getting invited to do a North American Challenge Skate, and hopefully a trip to Nationals will be in my cards this season. My ideal situation would be to compete singles and dance this season. I'll just have to wait and see what the future holds!

What aspects of your skating are you working on improving right now?
Currently, my coaches and I are working very hard on my jump technique and body awareness. I switched coaches three weeks before Southwesterns, so basically we were just concentrating on programs and competing until after Nationals. It is very challenging to rework jumps and spins, but I know that it will benefit my skating immensely. For dance, I am working very hard on my Gold dances. Thank you, Patti and Tom for working so patiently with me every day!

Are you moving up to Junior Ladies for next season?
Yes, I am moving up to Junior next season. I am ready to test now because I finally mastered my flying sit spin!

What was Nationals like?
My Nationals experience was incredible! I have never qualified for 'Big Nationals' [before], and I didn't know exactly what to expect. All of the volunteers, spectators, and skaters were so kind and supportive. I met so many new friends and the Team 2010 camp was so much fun too!

I was proud of my performances in Dallas. My short was stronger than my long, which is funny because I much prefer competing my long program. I was diagnosed with asthma between Midwesterns [Sectionals] and Nationals, so I was definitely not as prepared as I would have liked. However, I pushed through it and competing in front of such a large audience was so much fun. I wish every skater had the opportunity to compete at Nationals, because it is such a reward for all of the time and dedication we put into our dreams.

Do you have any embarrassing skating moments? Memorable ones?
In terms of embarrassing, I can't think of anything that bad. My day will come! In terms of memorable, definitely competing at Nationals!

Who are your favorite skaters?
My favorite skater is Damon Allen. He is one of my coaches and he is so fun to be around. Damon was an amazing skater, and he tries so hard to help me achieve my goals. I also get dance lessons from Chris Dean, and he is so powerful! I would have to include Torvill & Dean in my favorite skater category.

Do you have a favorite jump, spin and connecting move?
I don't really have favorite elements. I enjoy working on all of them and trying to improve every aspect of my skating. If I had a least favorite element, it would have to be double and triple toes!

What do you love about skating?
I love coming to the rink every day and knowing that there is a challenge that needs to be met. I like the satisfaction of knowing that my hard work has paid off when I acquire a new skill. Some days are more frustrating than others, but you just have to go home knowing that you tried your best and tomorrow is another day.