Alumni | bufigureskating

Alumni Experiences

"I got involved with BUFSC after the end of one of my competitive ice dance partnerships, mostly in an effort to stay in shape and make some new friends having just arrived at BU. It was hands down the best decision I made there. Through epic road trip diversions to Five Guys and Sonic to far too many practice sessions with some of the coolest people, BUFSC easily became my home at BU. While I spent a long time competing in ice dancing, the most growth and fun that I had in my entire 13-year skating career was the time I spent training and competing with BUFSC, and I’m forever grateful for the opportunity to stay engaged in the sport with such an amazing group of people!"

- Mark Jahnke '13

"My experience - frustrating. challenging. Eye-opening. Rewarding.
As frustrating as it can be when you're dealing with 25 girls so often that they're essentially you're sisters. What would it be like having 25 sisters? Imagine. Challenging, which was refreshing because skating was the only thing that ever gave me a real challenge every single day. Eye-opening because I grew up more than I ever thought possible facing the challenges that I took on under the guidance of Andrea, Andrew and with the support of my teammates. I realized that I could do what I always thought that I could, but had kept to myself. And lastly, rewarding. Rewarding for more reasons that I could ever begin to explain in a paragraph."

- Alix Vargo '16

"I confess, I was on the fence about joining BUFSC. But having absolutely no regrets, I'm so grateful to be part of the team. We truly are an exceptional team and I am extremely lucky to experience it in my lifetime and in my last year at BU. It's a privilege to be able to continue my passion on the ice in college, but I'm even more blessed to share this journey with everyone in BUFSC. Andrea and Andrew, you both are such incredible individuals, and that's an understatement. Everyday I appreciate both of you for everything you give from the bottom of your hearts. I will forever cherish the relationships and the adventures I've had with BUFSC."

- Elise Eng '17

"Joining BUFSC was probably the best decision I made during my time at BU, and the people I met and experiences I had were ones I'll remember forever. I met some of my closest friends through the team, and they became people I could count on for anything. Andrea, our coach, became like a second mom to me. I always looked forward to practices, competitions, team dinners, and team social events because I knew they would be so much fun. Skating at BU is so different from the individual skating that we all grew up with, but in the best possible way. BUFSC taught me what it means to be on a team—having friends and coaches who give their unconditional support, and giving mine in return."

- Nomi Tinkelman '17

"Being a part of the team (and a group of amazing people!) was so important and refreshing after competing individually for so long. Apart from winning two National titles during my time on the BUFSC competitive team, the best moments were everything in between the competitions. Whether it was team dinners at the dining hall, van rides, practices, ice show, etc... the entire experience was incredible and life-changing. You truly meet your best friends and they, in turn, become your biggest support system on campus....You find yourself stepping up to the plate and filling any roles that the team needs you in. My advice to the people on the team, both current and future, is to really immerse yourself in the culture of the team and be there for everyone....And enjoy every moment you have with the club because it goes by quickly!"

- Alyssa Uzumcu '18

"I joined the skating team because I wanted to be able to continue skating after high school. Skating has always been a big part of my life and I wasn’t ready to give it up just yet. My favorite memories from the team are just the small ones - van rides to competitions, hanging out in the pit, or our holiday parties/watching the Olympics together....BUFSC taught me to have confidence in everything I do, because I’m better than I think I am. I also learned how to go after things without fear and never let an injury or obstacle stop me from achieving anything. My advice to the team would be to savor every moment of college and just have fun!...wherever I go the memories I’ve made with BUFSC will always hold a special place in my heart."

- Taylor Dean '18

"I joined BUFSC because I've been skating for so long that I can't remember life without it! Skating is my favorite stress reliever and way to express myself. I have so many great memories from BUFSC, but some of my favorites include performing at Agganis my freshman year, skating to NSYNC with Amanda, Elise, and Michelle my junior year, and all the times I laughed so hard that I couldn't breathe during practice! BUFSC has shown me the importance of having an outlet away from academics and from the lab....My advice to the team and upcoming members would be to follow your dreams, no matter how difficult it gets. BU can be tough, but all the struggles will be worth it in the end. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it and lean on your friends and professors."

- Meghan Kupratis '18

"Skating has always been a huge part of my life and skating on a college team was always a dream of mine. Before applying to graduate schools, I attended a collegiate competition. I saw how incredible the BU skaters and coaches were to their team and competitors. I knew then that skating on the BU team would be an amazing opportunity, so I applied to BU. I cannot count the number of great memories I have with BUFSC. I think overall, I will mostly remember how much love and support the team shares. Whenever someone needed something a team member was there and ready to help....One of the best things BUFSC has taught me is what it means and feels like to be on a team....My advice to the team would be smile on a bad day, never be afraid to ask for help, and skate a lot."

- Gabrielle Bargoot '18

"I transferred to BU from a small liberal arts school, where it was difficult to start a skating team. When I transferred to BU, I was thrilled to be able to continue skating again and join such an established team (and the best team in the country!). My favorite memory from the team was competing in the team event with my younger sister, who was a freshman when I was a senior. BUFSC has taught me the importance of balance. Skating in college allowed me to take time away from academics to “reset” and relieve stress both on the ice or laughing with my teammates in the locker room. My advice to the rest of the team would be to enjoy it! It goes by fast!"

- Holly Marshall '18

"Originally, I thought about joining when one of the team members suggested it. Upon meeting Andrea, however, a combination of fear, motivation, and admiration gripped me. Those ultimately combined to form a deep-rooted desire to be a part of this incredibly dedicated team. My best memory on the team is the moment I managed to land my very first double salchow. BUFSC taught me the value of teammates. The burden and fear keeping you from chasing your goals seem a lot less daunting when you’re surrounded by such heartwarming and supportive teammates and coaches. My advice for BUFSC would be to trust Andrea. I don’t think I’ve ever met a coach more invested in the success both on and off ice of her students. Second, trust yourself and your teammates. And finally, set ridiculous goals for yourself, and go after them."

- Christopher van Hoecke '18

"Being a part of BUFSC was the opportunity of a lifetime! Skating at BU was the best part of my college experience. Every day that I would walk into the rink, I was surrounded by the most driven and welcoming group of skaters. BUFSC not only gave me the chance to push myself and reach my skating goals, but also make lifelong friends and have an absolute blast. From living with fellow skaters, traveling all over the country for competitions, and winning three consecutive national titles, most of my fondest college memories have to do with skating at BU. BUFSC is truly a family and I am so blessed that I get to be a part of it!"

- Elise Borkan '19

"Skating was always a big part of my life growing up and I was so happy to be able to continue my passion throughout college by joining BUFSC. Little did I know it would bring so much more - because of BUFSC I have lifelong memories and experiences that I am so grateful for and will never forget. Winning the national championships was no doubt an incomparable experience, but it wouldn’t have felt the same without the team camaraderie, the lip sync videos, crazy road trip karaoke sessions, and never ending shenanigans with Drea and Andrew. Of course there were challenges along the way, balancing academics and competitive skating is never easy, but overcoming those challenges helped me grow into the person I am today. BUFSC, I am forever grateful for all you’ve taught me and will never forget the amazing memories. My advice to newcomers and current teammates - cherish every moment and just have fun."

- Amanda Shadlock '19

"Looking back, I attribute a lot of what I learned at BU to my coaches and teammates on the figure skating team. My coaches, Andrea and Andrew, taught me the importance of hard work and professionalism, and my teammates taught me that success is never achieved alone. They showed me what it means to be compassionate towards others, and how to be resilient in the face of adversity. By embracing each of its skaters with open arms, and by putting kindness above anything else, BUFSC has created a legacy that I am so proud to say I was a part of."

- Kate Nuzzolo '19

"When I think of BUFSC, I think of “home”. Whatever the challenges of the day were– if ever I felt frustrated, tired, or down– BUFSC was a place I could go where I felt happy, confident, loved, and supported. It made four years go by incredibly fast. I’m thankful for every single day with BUFSC, and it's mostly thanks to the incredible people I met during my time there. The skaters became my best friends– they helped me with my schoolwork, ate with me in the dining hall, and were my partners in crime when adventuring in the city. On or off the ice, we’re each others’ biggest fans. Thank you to Andrea, of course, for being my rock. Never has there been a coach more committed to her kids, or more impassioned by what she does. My time spent with the skating team is full of memories that I will cherish always. As an Alumni, I still feel the love from BUFSC– the friends I made there are the sisters and brothers I get to keep forever, to help me through the challenges of wherever life takes me. Advice? Trust your feet (or skates!) to carry you to new and unexpected places, know that the people who love you have your back no matter what, and never be afraid to go after what makes you happy."

- Noelle Weill '19

I applied to BU because of the legacy of BUFSC, little did I know what I was getting myself into. From practices, team dinners, and competitions (scaring Andrea with a second team spin at NYU), the memories and belly laughs with my teammates and coaches will forever be with me. Training, competing, and being on E-board have helped me grow into the person I am today, and shaped my college experience. 4 years later, and I know I made the right decision. For the future generations of BUFSC, know that you are now part of a huge family that will have your back no matter what. Skate as much as you can, and enjoy the process - it goes by fast.

- Betty Wang '21

My time with BUFSC showed me the power of our community to instill a feeling in my heart: one of inclusion, love, and eternal gratitude. It's not often that you get the chance to experience something like this in your life, and to have been a part of it for four years has truly been a gift. There are so many connections I have gained solely from the experiences this club has offered. Many of the esteemed alumni whom I recently joined became my friends when I was just starting here as a freshman, and their continued friendship and help has been a constant bright spot over the years. And of course, I would be remiss if I did not mention the lasting impact that our incredible coaches, Andrea and Andrew, have had on my life and my growth as a skater and successful adult. We all come to BU and join BUFSC for a myriad of reasons, but over the course of many van rides, dining hall trips, and victory celebrations, we learn and grow together, as a team, and that’s what makes us so special. BUFSC will always be a part of who I am, and I hope that one day you will be able to experience that connection too.

- Ryan VanDoren '21

If you are an alum and want to share your BUFSC experience, email a short paragraph to knoopg@bu.edu