Everyone learns how to roller-skate at some time, but not many people take it to the next level.

Sophomore Aubrey Ferraro has been competing in competitions for five years. She began skating as a young child with her friends but never felt that she was good at it.

She set a goal for herself to become a better skater.
Ferraro began taking Saturday morning classes at Rollerrama, which then led to taking private lessons. In order to become a champion roller-skater one must practice a lot. “I practice everyday for at least three hours. It cuts into time I can spend with friends, as well as school work,” commented Ferraro.

Much like in ice-skating, Ferraro performs the same techniques. Jumping, spinning, and complicated foot work are all part of her basic training.

Her coach has a technique to make her posture perfect when she is competing, “She pokes me with a stick and whenever I am competing I just think of her poking me which helps me keep good posture” explained Ferraro.

Last year she competed in regionals and was ranked number one. At nationals she placed 16th.

“For three years I have been to nationals, which is very rewarding,” added Ferraro. She commented that before each competition, “I get real nervous, its not a good habit but I just put my fears behind me and go and do it.”

In her spare time Ferraro enjoys spending time with her friends and going shopping.

Though she does not always have as much free time as she would like, most of her time is spent at the roller rink practicing for hours. Her friends think it is really cool that she gets to travel all over the United States while competing in roller-skating.

“Eventually if I skate what is called World Class, I may get to travel all over the world,” concluded Ferraro. But for now she plans on continuing competing and putting her all into the sport.