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McKayla O'Connell

McKayla O'Connell is a 12-year-old 7th grader at commonwealth Connections Academy, a charter cyber school. She lives in Nazareth, Pennsylvania, with her parents and younger sister Cassidy. McKayla is a Juvenile level figure skater and recently qualified for the 2010 Junior National Figure Skating Championships in Strongsville, Ohio.

McKayla’s first time on the ice was at the age of three at the The Rink @ Lehigh Valley! At the time McKayla lived in Utah, but was visiting her grandparents over the Christmas holiday. Shortly after that, when the 2002 Olympics were held in McKayla’s home city of Salt Lake City, she begged her mom to take her to watch the girls practice at the rink across the street from their home. McKayla also wanted to fly through the air and glide across the ice, so she begged her mom for lessons and began her journey at age 4 ½. In her first competition in Salt Lake City she earned two gold medals. She was hooked.

At the age of seven her family moved to Pennsylvania. McKayla began skating with Suzannah Nolt. Suzannah brought McKayla from the No Test level to her current level, Juvenile. About two years ago Mckayla set a goal to qualify for Junior Nationals at the Juvenile level. Although this seemed like a difficult task, she had a wonderful support system to help her achieve that goal. Also, McKayla has an incredible work ethic and passion for the sport. Suzannah believes in her 100 % and shares her knowledge every day. She pushes McKayla when she needs to and backs off when necessary.

In figure skating there comes a time when one coach cannot do everything. Many skaters skate at different rinks and with different coaches, and this is true of McKayla. McKayla trains approximately 25 hours a week, waking up at 4:20 A.M. Monday through Thursday when her Grandmother takes her to the University of Delaware to train. The U. of D. training facility offers on ice training, ballet, off ice training, cardio, and strength training. McKayla still trains with Suzannah once a week in Bethlehem. All of McKayla's coaches play important roles in helping her achieve her goals. They include Jeff DiGregorio, Suzannah Nolt, Pam Gregory, Barbara Roles and Kat Arbour. She loves them all and appreciates everything they do for her.

Someday McKayla hopes to qualify for a World Championship Team or even the Olympics. As for short term goals, McKayla would like to perfect her double axel and get her triple salchow. Her favorite jump is the double flip. Her favorite spin is a flying sit spin. When Mckayla is not training she enjoys reading, designing clothes and rooms, watching the Food Network, and spending time with her friends and family.