Alyssa Curran, 14, represents the Skating Club of New York. She is coached by Laura Beardsley and Debra Adams, and also works with Carol Heiss-Jenkins, Parker Pennington and Mathew Gates. Beardsley is also her choreographer. Curran trains at the Champions Skating Rink in Cromwell, CT, and occasionally practices at New York City’s Sky Rink and the Brewster Ice Arena in Brewster, NY. Curran won the silver medal at the 2004 North Atlantic Regionals at the Novice level and finished 9th at Eastern Sectionals. At the North Shore Open in early June this year, Curran won the Junior short program event and was 2nd in the long program event.

When and how did you begin skating?
I started skating when I was seven. At that time, my sister, Chelsea, was 10 and was already skating. Since I was going to the rink with her every week and watching, I decided I wanted to be on the ice also. I am very close to my sister, and I believe skating for so many years together helped make us so close. Chelsea has passed her Senior tests, and is now coaching in Brewster, and will be starting college in the Fall.

What are your long-term goals, on and off the ice?
In skating, my long term goals are to continue to improve, to medal at Nationals, and to just always do the best I can and be happy. Off the ice, I would really like to become either a veterinarian or a nurse. Whatever I end up doing, it will definitely be in the medical field.

What are your goals for the upcoming season?
For the upcoming season, my goal is to make Nationals at Junior Ladies level. However, to get there, I need to continue working hard and focus on all aspects of my skating.

Have you chosen your music for next season yet? What is it?
My short program music is very fast, exciting and different for me. Previously, my short programs were softer, slower pieces. My long program music is a combination including pieces from Mission Impossible 2. I'm really happy with both programs, and am looking forward to skating them this year.

Will you be competing at any club competitions this summer?
This year, I plan on competing at the Liberty Open, Skate Chautauqua and Mid-Atlantics. I have already competed at the Darien Open and the North Shore Open.

Who has had the greatest influence on your skating, and how have they influenced it?
My family has had the most influence on me as a person, and they have always been my greatest supporters. Of course, my coaches, Laura and Debbie, have had an enormous amount of influence on me as a skater. My best friend, Jenna Adams, has also had a lot of influence on my skating. She is a wonderful skater with a great attitude. We constantly push each other to work harder, and motivate each other to keep trying new things. We always encourage each other, even if it is not one of our best days.

Who are your favorite skaters and why?
My two favorite skaters are Parker Pennington and Katie Orscher. They are my favorites not only because they are wonderful skaters, but because they are also really cool people. They are both hard workers, and have both given me tips and advice to improve my skating.

What is your favorite jump, spin and connecting move?
My favorite jump right now is the triple toe. I just began to land it cleanly, so that's always exciting! My favorite spin is the layback, and my favorite connecting move is an Ina Bauer.

What do you feel are the weakest and strongest aspects of your skating?
The weakest aspect of my skating is my posture in my programs, and I am working to improve in that area. I feel the strongest aspect of my skating is the height of my jumps. I need to continue using this strength to my advantage.

What are some of your off ice hobbies?
My sister Chelsea and I are really into planting flowers and landscaping this year. I also enjoy playing piano and being with friends. When I turn 16, I plan on volunteering at a hospital or at a local vet's office.

What is your current school arrangement?
I attend Pomperaug High School in Southbury, CT, and will be a sophomore in the Fall. I have my schedule arranged so that all my classes are in the morning, and I leave school each day at 12:30 to get to the rink for the 1:30 pm session before it gets too busy. I carry a regular full course load.

Why do you love to skate?
I love to skate because you can learn a lot of life's lessons through skating. It makes me strive to achieve my greatest potential, and I have learned how to deal with both success and failure. I love jumping and the feeling of landing a difficult clean jump. Skating gives me a lot of self-satisfaction and fulfillment. I can't imagine not skating!