When it comes to the keyphrase “Howard University figure skating,” the main focus is on figure skating at Howard University.
**Howard University Figure Skating Team Making History**
**Cheyenne Walker and Maya James**, members of **Howard University’s figure skating team**, are dedicated to honing their skills at Canal Park Ice Rink in Washington, D.C. This dynamic duo, captured in action by **Dee Dwyer for NPR**, is breaking barriers in the world of figure skating.
**Breaking Stereotypes and Building a Legacy**
When figure skating coach Jordan McCreary Graham attempted to establish a club at North Carolina Central University, she faced skepticism, being told, “Black people don’t skate.” However, her students, Maya James and Cheyenne Walker, are defying this notion. Together, they founded the **Howard University Ice Skating Organization**, the first of its kind at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Their groundbreaking journey includes being the inaugural participants from an HBCU in a collegiate competition.
**A Historic Journey**
Reflecting on their historic achievement, James, the team’s president and a psychology major, expressed her joy and disbelief at the magnitude of their accomplishment. She emphasized the transformation of a simple idea into a significant milestone. Walker, the club’s vice-president and a political science major, acknowledged the historic nature of their endeavor during an interview with NPR’s *Morning Edition*.
**Diversifying the Sport**
Walker highlighted the importance of diversifying the sport and the joy of introducing new members from Howard University to figure skating. The club’s Monday night sessions attract enthusiastic individuals eager to learn and excel on the ice. Walker emphasized the inclusivity of the sport, emphasizing that anyone, regardless of age, can partake in the joy of figure skating.
**In Conclusion**
The journey of the **Howard University figure skating team** exemplifies resilience, determination, and a commitment to breaking stereotypes. Through their passion and dedication, Cheyenne Walker and Maya James are not only making history but also paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive future in the world of figure skating.
Exploring the Challenges of Howard University Figure Skating
However, the Howard University figure skating program faces a significant obstacle at the rink where training sessions take place – securing sufficient ice time.
Despite being located in Washington DC, the team manages to secure an hour of exclusive practice time at a public facility.
While the facility is ideal for children, the small outdoor rink pales in comparison to the expansive Olympic-sized arenas available to other university figure skating teams.
Howard University Figure Skating Organization Shines at Canal Park Ice Rink
Cheyenne Walker, the Co-Founder and Vice President, and Maya James, the Founder and President of Howard University Ice Skating Organization, were captured showcasing their skills at Canal Park Ice Rink in Washington, D.C.
Dee Dwyer for NPR
The Fort Dupont Ice Arena, the only similar rink in Washington, is currently closed for renovation. Despite this, the arena has been assisting the club in finding alternative ice time. To experience a larger arena setting, the students have been commuting to a rink in College Park, Maryland, for their training sessions.
Reflecting on the advantage that the teams at Howard University will face this weekend, Walker mentioned, “We’re probably going to be competing against people who skate on the ice maybe two or three times a week.”
Maya James, another key figure in the organization, expressed her excitement about the progress made at Canal Park Ice Rink in Washington, D.C.
Dee Dwyer for NPR
James highlighted the recent improvements in consistent ice time availability, stating, “We didn’t really have that opportunity to get consistent ice time until this semester, and it’s only [been] one month.” She also mentioned that the upcoming competition doesn’t carry much pressure for the team.
“Since we’re like a baby organization, I’m not too concerned with winning as of right now, but I’m just happy to be there and be included in the collegiate figure skating space,” James added.
Embracing the Ice from a Young Age
James and Walker cherished the opportunity to glide on the ice.
Both individuals, now 21 years old, commenced their training at the tender age of seven.
James faced challenges while growing up in Chicago due to the lack of diversity in the sport.
“There were few individuals who resembled me in this pursuit. Whenever I entered a new rink or even at my home rink, I often found myself as the sole black skater,” James shared. “I constantly felt like all eyes were on me.”
Conversely, Walker’s upbringing in New York provided her with a different experience.
Her introduction to skating was through Figure Skating in Harlem, a community that fostered her passion for the sport.
Howard University figure skating remains an integral part of their journey, shaping their love for the ice.
Howard University Figure Skating Team Making Strides in the Ice
Toni Smith, a member of Howard University’s figure skating team, is seen gearing up for practice at Canal Park Ice Rink in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Dee Dwyer for NPR
Toni Smith of Howard University’s figure skating team prepares to practice at Canal Park Ice Rink in Washington, D.C.
“Figure Skating in Harlem was a pivotal experience for me,” shared Cheyenne Walker, Co-Founder, and Vice President of Howard University Ice Skating Organization. “It was a space tailored for women of color, which was truly inspiring to witness women of color and people of color excelling in the sport.”
Currently, the Howard team is receiving backing from Diversify Ice, a non-profit organization. This support includes covering ice time expenses and providing the team with dedicated coaches like Graham, who commended the accomplishments of James and Walker.
Cheyenne Walker, in her role as Co-Founder and Vice President of Howard University Ice Skating Organization, is captured executing a scratch spin at Canal Park Ice Rink in Washington, D.C.
Dee Dwyer for NPR
Cheyenne Walker, Co-Founder and Vice President of Howard University Ice Skating Organization prepares to perform a scratch spin at Canal Park Ice Rink in Washington, D.C.
“The determination and impact they are making are truly remarkable. They are defying the odds and demonstrating that anything is achievable,” expressed Graham. “The accessibility of skating at an HBCU for girls of all backgrounds to represent their school is incredibly inspiring.”
Graham emphasized that there is no pressure on the young skaters to perform and highlighted the invaluable experience of sharing the ice with collegiate skaters at different skill levels.
The Howard University Ice Skating Organization is gearing up to compete in the US Figure Skating’s Southeast divisional competition at the University of Delaware on Feb. 24 and Feb. 25 in Newark.
The audio for this story was edited by Barry Gordemer. The digital version was edited by Treye Green.
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