Ian Pohlman

Figure skating as a sport demonstrates extreme technical precision along with physical endurance. Freshman Mia Pohlman climbs the ranks as a top individual in traditional figure skating and synchronized skating. Pohlman has achieved many high rankings at competitions and has even competed at nationals. For some people, the decision to start a new hobby or sport is inspired by someone they know or wanting to improve their fitness. For Pohlman, the inspiration to start figure skating stemmed from watching movies as a kid. “I was like seven. I watched the movie ‘Frozen,’ and I really wanted to be like [Elsa]. So I guess I just decided to start skating,” Pohlman said.

Spectators often see all the medals and trophies that Pohlman has earned over the years, but not the hard practices or conditioning behind the scenes. Sometimes, training can be repetitive. “You just drill it and you have to do it so many times, that’s the way that you learn it,” Pohlman said

Alongside all the achievements and accolades she has earned, time management and stress are still notable parts of day-to-day life. “It can be stressful. It’s hard, too, especially with school,” Pohlman said. “I have to miss a lot of school for it. So sometimes it’s hard to get all my work done.”

In addition to practicing nine to 10 hours a week, Pohlman does pilates and occasionally sees a nutritionist. To manage her time at school, she gets help from her teachers. “I usually get a lot of work to do before, and I work ahead a lot,” she said.

Although figure skating can have its challenges, Pohlman also makes sure to note all of the positive experiences and memories she has had in the sport. “It’s always fun when you’re in a new place and you’re able to go outside and walk around a little bit with your friends,” she said. “The memories in the hotel and traveling are always so much fun.”

Pohlman also finds delight in the many social aspects of figure skating, whether that is from traveling or just meeting new people in local communities. “I’ve made a lot of friends at skating, and it’s allowed me to make friendships that are not in school and meet people with different experiences than me as well,” Pohlman said.

Music selection in figure skating is a process that gives spectators insight into the skater’s personality. Pohlman’s process for selecting music is a mix of her personal style and includes a little influence from the people around her. “My coach helps a lot, but usually I just pick it out. I make a playlist of songs that I really like. And then I’ll send them to her, and she’ll say, oh, I like these, and you can choose or send me more,” Pohlman said.

Pohlman’s figure skating career also opens up many options for after high school. “If I wanted to do skating in college, it definitely opens up opportunities for me to compete at a higher level after high school,” she said.

From watching “Frozen” as a child to now standing atop podiums and earning medals, it is apparent that this is only the start for Pohlman and her high school figure skating career.