Lindsey Fenton, 17, skates for the SC of Amherst (MA) and is coached by Laurie Leaman. She trains at the Mullins Center at the University of Massachusetts and Amherst College's Orr Rink in the winter, and in Westfield, MA, during the summer. Fenton and Leaman choreograph Fenton's programs together. In 2003-04, Fenton placed 4th in Novice Ladies at New England Regionals and 12th at Eastern Sectionals. She finished 2nd in the Junior Ladies Free Skate event at the 2004 Colonial Open club competition in April.

When and how did you begin skating?
I was always on the ice since I was born. My family owns a small sporting goods store and is really into hockey. Even when I couldn't walk, I was pulled around the ice on a sled. When I was three, I was enrolled in an instructional hockey program. I really liked the skating and I was the fastest kid out there, but I didn't like the stick and puck part. Then my parents heard about the Basic Skills program at the SC of Amherst and put me into that.

What are your long-term goals in skating and off the ice?
My long term goals are to continue skating and improving. I would like to continue to work toward my triple jumps and continue competing at the highest level. Off the ice, I am going to finish high school, then go onto college and, hopefully, become an elementary school teacher. I am also looking forward to becoming a junior coach with the SC of Amherst this year.

Who has had the greatest influence on your skating?
I have three major people who have influenced my skating. First, my mother. Until I started driving four months ago, she would drive me to skating three to five times a week as well as to dance lessons another two or three days. She has allowed me to continue with the sport I love even though the costs are so high. Next would be both my coach, Laurie Leaman, and her mother, Rita Leaman, who is the President of the SC of Amherst. Mrs. Leaman helped set up a fund in my name to help my mother with the skating expenses. She has also been there for me right through the competitive season. My coach, Laurie, though, has been the best and biggest influence. She has given me so much strength and let me believe in what I can do. She has given me a chance to become something more than just a girl from a small club in western Massachusetts.

Who are your favorite skaters and why?
My favorite skaters are Kristi Yamaguchi, Sasha Cohen, and Scott Hamilton. I have loved Kristi for as long as I can remember. When I was younger, I would get to see her skate in Stars on Ice. She is a complete skater and one of the most graceful I have ever seen. She can jump, spin, and entertain. Sasha has the potential to be the best there has ever been. When she is the underdog, she is not afraid to go for all the technical difficulty. Scott is the best performer there has ever been. He loves this sport more than most and he shows how much fun skating can be. He is a joy to watch.

What is your favorite jump, spin and connecting move?
My favorite jumps are the double axel and split jump, and I also love jump sit spins. On all of these moves I am able to get so much height that I feel like I'm flying when I do them. My favorite connecting move is the spiral. Even watching a spiral really just makes you want to smile.

What do you feel are the strongest and weakest aspects to your skating?
The weakest part of my skating is spinning. I seem to get dizzy fairly easily. I tend to jump well. My dance background has helped me get good height on my jumps. I think a lot about my choreography. I try to make sure I know where my arms are at all times since I think they add a lot to my programs.

What music did you skate to this past season (2003-2004)?
Last season I skated my Novice short program to Mexican Fiesta music and my Novice long program was music from Samson and Delilah. This season, my new Junior short is from Anastasia and my Junior long is from West Side Story.

Describe and evaluate your programs at Regionals and Sectionals.
At Regionals, I felt like I had nothing to lose. Novice was a new level for me, so I just tried to skate my best and see where the judges would place me. My short program was clean including a double axel, double flip, and double lutz/double loop combination. I ended up third, and my placement shocked me and my coach since the previous year at Intermediate I had ended up in 14th place after the short. The next day I knew that I had a possibility to make it to Sectionals. I skated a perfect long program and ended up in fourth place, earning my first trip to Sectionals. At Sectionals, I did not skate my greatest. I had some problems with my spins -- especially the camel spin. I don't know exactly why, but I just couldn't get them to work. I think I got a little nervous which didn't help my spins. However, I did learn a great deal and I hope that I get the chance to compete at Sectionals again.

What are some of your off-ice hobbies?
I have many off-ice hobbies. I'm on the basketball and lacrosse team at my high school. In fact, this year, I was voted captain of my lacrosse team. I also am part of a Terpsichore dance company. I enjoy helping out with the Basic Skills program and working with the younger skaters at my skating club.

Why do you love to skate?
I love to skate because it feels like you can fly. You don't even have to leave the ice to feel the wind fly by your hair and make your eyes teary. I love all the people and have gotten to meet so many new friends at competitions. I enjoy spending my time working on something that I can improve at. Skating challenges me and I wouldn't give it up for anything!