Breaking the Ice with Katherine Rice
10/5/2011 12:00:00 AM | Synchronized Skating
Oct. 5, 2011
This is a continuation in a series of Q&A's with members of the 2011-12 Miami University synchronized skating team that will run periodically throughout the year. Today's segment is with sophomore Katherine Rice, a member of the junior team from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, who is majoring in political science with a minor in English Literature.
What is your pre-skate ritual?
In my personal pre-skate competition ritual, I always put my right skate on before my left skate, a weird superstition of mine. Once the team is lined up to skate, I do this jittering, jumping exercise to shake the nerves away. Finally, before stepping on the ice, I say a quick prayer and remind myself to breathe.
What artist do you listen to prior to a competition?
My favorite artist to listen to prior to a competition is Beyonce!
Why did you choose Miami?
I originally chose Miami because I knew I wanted to skate in college. But after visiting the school, I fell in love with the campus. I also admired the many opportunities that seemed to be available academically and appreciated the success rate of graduates from Miami, finalizing my decision to choose Miami.
What is your favorite hangout on campus?
My favorite hangout on campus is La Mia. I can't resist their chicken Caesar salad.
What is your greatest accomplishment off the ice?
My greatest accomplishment off the ice would probably be getting hired as a Resident Assistant for Swing Hall. Thus far, it has been a challenging yet rewarding experience.
What is your favorite skating memory?
My favorite skating memory was when I passed my senior freestyle test. I had only prepared for the skating test for about two weeks and my coach had told me to just try to see if I could pass, though he didn't have much confidence in me. I skated my program and managed to land all my jumps, except for one, which I nailed on the re-skate. I just remember feeling on fire, like I was untouchable. Needless to say, it was probably one of the happiest days of my skating career.
What are your favorite skating moves?
My favorite skating moves are Spread Eagles and Double Loops.
On a road trip, what snacks to you bring with you?
On a road trip, I always pack Peach-Os. They're my favorite candy.
What is something people might be surprised to know about you?
Although my last name is rice, I absolutely hate rice.
Who inspires you the most?
My grandparents truly inspire me. They are very influential in my life and we are very close. They have always been my biggest fans, driving me to practice and coming to all my local skating competition, despite the fact that they despised the cold. But the most incredible part about them is that no matter how terrible or difficult skating was on a particular day, they would always remind me that I was still "the greatest skater they knew" and that reminder pushed me to work harder.
What did you do on your summer vacation?
On my summer vacation, I babysat five days a week while I took two summer courses online at night. I also spent a week at the beach with some of my teammates in South Carolina, which was a blast! But the most exciting part of my summer was when I was able to shadow a local judge for a few days. As a political science major, it was incredible to see the "behind the scenes" perspective of court cases and trials.
When did you start skating?
I started skating at the age of three.
How did you get into synchronized skating?
My grandfather and mom were the first people to take me ice skating. My grandfather played ice hockey as a child and decided that I had to try it. Well, after one lap around the rink, crying and clinging to my mother and grandfather, I declared that I would never skate again. Unfortunately, my mother loved the exercise and forced me to attend basic skills class with her every Saturday morning. Eventually, I excelled, passed my mother in the skills department, and fell (literally) in love with the sport. And I've been hooked ever since!
The most notable thing about your hometown?
The most notable thing about my hometown is that Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania, though many people mistakenly believe that Philadelphia is the capital.
