PASSION: Poly students are involved in figure skating rather than traditional high school sports.
By Kate Santoso, Staff Writer
The lives of many students revolve around high school sports, making them a vast sensation. Student athletes dedicate so much time and effort to their sport, not only for themselves but for the pride of their school. However, many of Poly’s extraordinary student athletes are not recognized for their hard work and involvement in an alternative sport, such as ice skating. For Sabrina Ghaly (9) and Carissa Gann (10), life on the ice is a dream come true.
Ever since Ghaly was young, the skating rink was her home. At only six years old, she began training at L.A. Kings Ice Town Riverside and diligently continued to skate and train for years. She participated in a variety of competitions from small local competitions to regional competitions to a national showcase. Such a commitment to a sport makes figure skating just as grueling as other high school sports. “Personally, I think the feeling on ice makes me feel special, knowing that not many people do such an exquisite sport as this one,” Ghaly said.
Now that Ghaly trains five days a week, Monday through Friday, her love for figure skating only continues to expand with every special feeling hooked to every jump and spin. “I’d consider ice skating as my passion as opposed to a hobby. Although it often frustrates me to the point where I might give up, I always come back,” Ghaly expressed.
Ever since Gann stepped onto the ice rink, she realized she was destined to be a figure skater. The feeling of being on the ice instantaneously attracted her; year after year, she began to grow an everlasting passion for figure skating. “Even when I grow older and don’t figure skate regularly, most likely I will still want to be involved in it,” Gann stated.
Similar to Ghaly, Gann began figure skating when she was six years old at L.A. Kings Ice Town Riverside. She continued to skate for nine years, with serious training for seven of those years. With her strong mentality and passion, Gann currently skates approximately twenty hours in six days a week. “I could never get enough of jumps and spins on the ice; it almost feels like you’re flying. The feeling of improving or doing something well makes you feel elated,” Gann added.
Poly’s figure skaters will continue to develop their passions, highlighting the fact that Poly is a diverse community with exceptional students who have the capability to excel at anything.