Skating History
FromCompetitorto Coach
My competitive years taught me discipline, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the sport. Those experiences continue to shape the way I coach today.
A Foundation in Competition
My 19 years as a competitive figure skater included five U.S. National medals across the Novice, Junior, and Senior levels, two international gold medals as a member of the U.S. Figure Skating International Team, and a place on the U.S. World Team. Competing at these levels gave me experiences and opportunities that continue to influence my work as a coach.
Training under legendary coaches Carol Heiss-Jenkins and Don Laws, along with the guidance and mentorship of Olympic champion Brian Boitano helped shape the coaching philosophy I follow today.
Career Highlights
- 5× U.S. National Medalist
- Two-Time International Gold Medalist
- U.S. World Team Member
- 19 Years of Competitive Skating
- USFS Gold Freeskate & Gold Figure Tests
My Skating JourneyThe complete story, from Kansas City to coaching
I began skating at the age of eight in my hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. My first competition was the Heart of America competition when I was ten years old.
My first coach was Randy Brilliantine, a PSA Master Rated coach who had trained in singles, pairs, and ice dance under renowned coach Ron Ludington, who worked with numerous Olympic skaters. Randy coached me for 13 years, from my first steps on the ice through my early years competing at the Senior level.
During our time together, I earned silver medals at the U.S. National Championships at both the Novice and Junior levels, along with two international gold medals in France and Yugoslavia as a member of the U.S. International Team.
In 1991, after 13 years with Randy, I made my first coaching change and relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, to train with Olympic gold medalist Carol Heiss-Jenkins and Glyn Watts. I spent four competitive seasons working with Carol and Glyn, earning two bronze medals at the Senior U.S. National Championships and a place on the 1994 U.S. World Team.
One of the most memorable moments of my competitive career came during the selection process for the 1994 Olympic Team. For the first time since 1972, the United States was limited to just two men's singles entries at the Olympics. My bronze medal at the U.S. National Championships left me just one placement short of making the Olympic Team.
The skater who finished directly ahead of me was Olympic champion Brian Boitano. Brian had been mentoring me for the previous two seasons, making it a particularly unusual experience when we found ourselves competing for the same Olympic opportunity.
I spent my final two years as a competitive skater training at the Atlanta IceForum with Don Laws, who had coached Olympic champion Scott Hamilton.
After 19 years of competing, training, and performing in numerous ice shows, I retired from competitive skating.
Throughout my career, I was fortunate to have the support of my family, sponsors, and some truly remarkable coaches. Their guidance, encouragement, and belief in me made so much of what I accomplished possible. I couldn't have done it without them.
Looking back, it was a journey that truly exceeded my expectations. There were difficult times, disappointments, and plenty of challenges along the way, but also experiences, friendships, and accomplishments that made those years so rewarding.
Today, I have the privilege of sharing what I've learned with new generations of skaters. My hope is that, years from now, they'll look back on their own skating journeys with the same sense of accomplishment, happiness, and appreciation that I feel when reflecting on mine.