In January 2005, 23-year-old Braden Overett will be making his ninth trip to U.S. Nationals and 4th as a senior. He placed 7th last year, and previously medalled at the Juvenile (1993 silver), Intermediate (1994 gold), Novice (1996 silver), and Junior (1998 silver) levels. Susan Williams has been his coach from the beginning of his career, and he is very involved in the choreography of his own programs. Overett represents the Denver FSC and is scheduled to graduate from the University of Denver in June 2005 with a degree in Business Management.

Please describe your performances at Southwestern Regionals (1st place) and Midwestern Sectionals (1st place) this season.
It's interesting how parallel regionals and sectionals have been this year. In the short program at both events I landed my triple axel--the first jump--which started things off very well. As the programs progressed, things did not stay as positive--the triple lutz combo was a problem both times and so was the loop... not good ways to finish. Nevertheless I had a great time performing the program and was very pleased with my second mark. The long program in both events was rather satisfying. At regionals I missed the first triple axel and the rest of the program was fairly decent. At sectionals I stepped out of the first triple axel and the rest of the program went pretty well. In looking at both competitions however, and as a general theme in all current competitions, my coach and I assess the mental performance even more than the physical. In that respect, both competitions were right where they should have been--a step in the right direction.

Portland 2005 will be your ninth trip to “big” Nationals and fourth as a senior. You were 7th in 2004, 10th in 2003, 15th in 2001, 7th in 1999 (Jr.), 2nd in 1998 (Jr.), 6th in 1997 (Jr.), 2nd in 1996 (Nov.), and 6th in 1995 (Nov). Do you have a single favorite Nationals experience? Which ones were the most memorable for you and why?
I have to say that each Nationals experience has offered something a little different. The part I find the most interesting is that, in the majority of cases, it's not the skating part I reflect upon (example: in '93 I got to watch Scott Davis do an exhibition which I thought was awesome; in '95 we got to practice in a rink that was on the second floor of a convention center--also very cool, and I got to play blackjack at the "casino night" competitors party; in '98 I remember visiting a friend I've known since pre-school who, at the time, lived in Philadelphia. In '01 I remember riding the buses and feeling like royalty as we flew through the streets with police escorts. It's always fun to look back on good performances and normally the experiences tied to them are equally exciting. I don't however have one memory or experience that stands above all others.

When and how did you begin skating?
I started skating in March of '91--I was nine years old. I saw skating on TV and wanted to be able to "do what they do."

What has been the most memorable moment in your skating career to date?
I don't think there is a most memorable moment... hmmm.

What has been the biggest challenge or disappointment that you have overcome in your skating career?
The biggest challenge is easily the mental game. The mind always seems to present something new and it's always an adventure trying to deal with it--sometimes good, sometimes bad... but always challenging.

Do you have an embarrassing or humorous moment on the ice that you're willing to share?
When I was 12 I did a competition in Tampa, Florida called the Orange Blossom Open. I was competing in the novice division and went out to do my long program; I made it through the first fast section and began the next section--a slow section. I realized as I started the next part and the music hadn't changed, that I had completely forgotten a huge part of my program and was in the wrong place. I was stopped already, as I was starting a slow part, and I found myself motionless in center-ice. I was utterly dumbfounded as the music continued to play overhead. I paused for a moment, looked around, to the crowd, to the coaches, and to the judges (as though they had the answer) and shrugged my shoulders in helplessness. The referee of the competition called me over. I don't remember who he was but I do remember he was towering, intimidating, round and seemingly very authoritative. I skated over, scared of the referee but naïve to the rules of the situation. "What's the problem?" he asked. I chuckled as I ducked my head nervously, "I forgot my program" I explained. "Would you like to start over?" he continued. I figured that's what I was supposed to do. "Sure" I told him. I went back to my starting position, repeated the program the way I did the first time and realized I had again forgotten my program. The second time however, I continued and improvised for about a minute and a half until I remembered what I was supposed to be doing. That...was embarrassing!!!

You have competed nine times internationally - seven times as a junior (medalling twice) and twice as a senior (7th at 2004 Nebelhorn Trophy). Was there any one experience that stood out for you?
I don't know if there's anything I could pin as being the best or worst experience. In terms of the difference between Junior and Senior competitions, I was very naive as a junior... not to mention I was about 5 years younger (not that anyone's counting). It seems as though it's better to do the competitions in the countries with nicer accommodations; however, better friends are made when it's in the countries that are not so well accommodating--I guess it's a toss-up.

How long have you been working with your current coach, Susan Williams, and how would you describe her coaching style or philosophy?
My very first lesson was with Susan Williams, who still coaches me today. She's incredible!! Not just as a coach but as a person, Susan always manages to do a great job. She's always out for the best interest of the skater and bends over backward to do anything she can in helping that skater reach his/her goals. She very much believes that skaters should be well rounded individuals in addition to being well rounded skaters. Susan and I work together as coach/student rather than either of us having absolute authority; I like to play a very large role in developing my training regimen and Susan welcomes that. I could go on and on but ultimately, she's very dedicated, she's very hard working, she's very knowledgeable, and she's very grounded.

How did you and your coach prepare for the new Code of Points judging system at Nebelhorn Trophy in September, and can you make an early assessment about how this new system will be for your skating?
The new judging system has certainly changed the way things are being done. Susan and I have worked with a number of different people who are very educated about the functions and specifications of the new system. We have discussed, exhibited, consulted, etc. with numerous "experts" on the system for their feedback and critique in regards to my programs. Again, as with everything else, it's a constant work in progress. Nebelhorn was one of the first competitions of the year where we would actually see the new system in place; as much as I hate to say it, we went to the competition with few expectations and rather took more of a "see what happens" approach. We figured we'd get a lot out of the competition and learn a lot from our immediate resources (the other coaches and judges on the trip). I do think the new system is great, though still in a transitional phase. Whether or not it will be in my benefit... we'll just have to see.

What was the purpose behind your training in El Segundo, CA earlier this summer and again before Nationals?
I have been off of school since the day before Thanksgiving and don't start again until the 3rd of January. It's an excellent time to take advantage of training opportunities that I would not otherwise be able to take advantage of. I have the best team of people (coaches and trainers) I could ever ask for in Denver. I do however feel it's beneficial to see and skate with other skaters at a similar level. I wanted to take advantage of a better on-ice environment as long as I had the chance... so I simply wanted to skate with some high-powered skaters. Though there are numerous facilities around the country that have such programs (Broadmoor, Delaware, Ice Castle, etc), I love L.A. and I was going to be there for Christmas anyway... so I extended the visit. I didn't go out to work with anyone or get help from anyone else, just to skate in a strong environment.

What are your goals for this upcoming Nationals? Will you be making any significant changes in your programs for Nationals?
It would be great to medal in the top three this year at Nationals and qualify for the World Championships (has a nice ring doesn't it... "world championships?"). There are numerous goals ranging on the spectrum from mental performance to practice-ice and each is broken down into smaller subsequent goals to help me achieve them.

As for my programs, they are always a work in progress. With the new judging system, we are constantly looking at places to improve. I'm pretty sure we won't be making any drastic changes before Nationals (like changing jumps or spin elements) but micro-adjustments are constantly being made.

What music are you using this season? Who choreographed your programs?
Short Program--Selections from Fiddler on the Roof--I choreographed it along with Patty McKinnon (one of my artistic consultants).
Long Program--Selections from Michael W. Smith's Freedom album--this is the third year I'll be using it--Stephanee Grosscup and I choreographed it.

Could you describe how the choreographic process works for you and how you collaborate with others on choreography?
This is an extremely difficult aspect to explain, but I'll try. I'm very intimately involved in developing my training regimen and even more so in choreographing my programs. I always enjoy working with choreographers rather than for them--I am the one who will actually be skating the program... I feel I should like it. Most choreographers are okay with me giving them some input and some are not. In either case, the process takes what seems like a lifetime and is an extremely collaborative effort. In terms of Choreography, I should like every step or arm movement in my program and if I don't... I'll keep working on it.

What do you feel are the strongest and weakest aspects of your skating?
Personal assessments are always interesting. I feel as though most things I do are fine... as long as I do them; consistency could be argued to be the weakest aspect of my skating.

What improvements have you made in your skating this season?
Hopefully everything I do looks a little more polished. I have become a more consistent jumper (hardly perfect though) and my combination jumps have improved. I feel as though overall the strength of my skating has improved.

What is your current favorite jump, spin, connecting move?
My favorite jump is whatever's working that day. I very much enjoy triple axels but really, when any one of them are done the way it's supposed to be done, it's a LOT of fun. My favorite spin is anyone that keeps a good center and my favorite footwork sequence is any one that's done smoothly and precisely.

How long did it take for you to learn the triple axel and start landing it consistently? Are you working on a quad/quads?
To be honest I'm not sure how long it took me to learn a triple axel, at least from start to finish. The first one I landed was in summer of 1999. Consistent? Actually axels have always been on the easier side of the jumping spectrum for me but I've missed a few this year... nothing's an "ace-in-the-hole."
We are working on the quad toe. I am not yet however working on a quad/quad combination.

What are your long-term goals in skating?
It would be great to do well (medal) at the world championships and tour for a few years.

Who are your favorite skaters and why?
Most of my favorite skaters are friends who have already quit. For interview purposes, there are skaters whom I admire for certain aspect of there careers:
Kurt Browning and Scott Hamilton--their creativity
Michelle Kwan--her consistency and reliability
Tara Lipinski--her fire.

Which person or persons have influenced your skating the most and how?
There is a huge list of influences in my career... it's hard to pick one. The biggest influences however are the people I know the best and work with regularly: coaches, parents, friends, competitors, etc.

Do you do any coaching or choreographing for other skaters?
I do a little coaching on the side for fun and for something to do. Right now every one of my students is a hockey player; they're "my little hockey guys." They're a lot of fun and certainly manage to keep me on my toes. I haven't really done much choreography for other people.

What are some of your off ice hobbies? What do you like to do for fun away from the ice?
Backpack, Ski, Snowboard, Telemark Ski, Bike (mountain and road), archery, rock climb, play Chess, build furniture, discuss life "over coffee," and the list continues...

Do you have any similarly athletic siblings?
I don’t have any similarly athletic siblings. My younger brother plays a variety of team sports (recreationally) and my older brother is not involved in sports. My mother however was on UCLA’s varsity volleyball team and won the National Championships (with the team in her college years).

You mention your dog, Bentley, in your USFS athlete bio. What kind of dog is he?
Bentley is a 55 lb. Black Lab/Border Collie mix. He's a great dog!!

What are you majoring in at the University of Denver and when are you scheduled to graduate?
Theoretically I'm scheduled to graduate this year (June 2005) with a BSBA (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration) in Business Management.

What are your goals beyond skating?
I’m not exactly sure what I would like to do following skating. I figure that’s when I’ll start pursuing my off-ice goals a little more seriously but, for the time being, I’m not even sure what those are. Whatever I do though, I will do my best to make sure it’s what I want to be doing and that I’m happy doing it.

What is it about skating that motivates you to keep going day in and day out for as many years as you have?
Sometimes I wonder the same thing. Skating combines so many different aspects of life: people, exercise, emotions, responsibility, creativity, work, pain, etc. Working with, through, against or parallel to any of these can give me a certain sense of accomplishment I can't find anywhere else. It's a passion... and passions are often irrational and hard to explain. Rationally it doesn't make any sense to pour your life, money, and time into exercising for hours on end in a freezing building, taking fall after fall, and pursuing a dream no matter what the cost; it's hard to make sense of that.

Biographical Information