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Yorba Linda HS soccer player, Erkenbrack, is also a national figure skater on the rise
Credit: MKT Events Photography

Yorba Linda HS soccer player, Erkenbrack, is also a national figure skater on the rise

YORBA LINDA, Calif. — In the world of figure skating, it takes focus, hard work, and a considerable amount of skill to progress and move up through the different levels. Whether you have dreams of Olympic glory or have the desire to perform on the ice competitively, or just for fun, all paths take drive and determination to achieve success.

Credit: Melanie Heaney Photography

Ever since she was 2 ½ years old, Karly Erkenbrack (14) has been training at The Rinks in east Yorba Linda. Over the years, while learning the various disciplines of figure skating, she has grown to love the performance aspect, which is like acting on ice. She competes in Showcase, which is an exciting event for skaters to entertain a crowd and show their artistic creativity. She performs in three categories:

  • Dramatic Performance – where she must tell a story and show emotion as she skates to music.
  • Lyrical Pop – where she gets to skate to her favorite song with lyrics.
  • Interpretive – where she goes in a room, listens to a song twice, then goes on the ice to perform a routine she just made up.

Karly competed in three competitions this year that were all out of state due to COVID. In Arizona she took 1st place in the Lyrical Pop category and 2nd place in the Interpretive category. Later in Texas she took 2nd place in both Dramatic Performance and Lyrical Pop. As a result, she qualified for the National Showcase competition in Colorado. This is the biggest competition of the year where skaters from across the United States come to compete. To qualify, a skater must place in the top four at a qualifying USFS competition. Not only did Karly qualify, but she skated up a level at Nationals, which had her competing against girls older than her. She finished, placing 5th out of 9 for Lyrical Pop and Interpretive, and placing 11th out of 23 for Dramatic Performance.

In fact, Karly has qualified for Nationals the last five years. This accomplishment is very impressive, considering she has had several past injuries and most recently had knee surgery. But she is the type of person who never gives up and continues to try her best. When asked what she loves most about her sport, she says, “I love skating because it challenges me and pushes me to work hard.” She also gets inspired by the saying, ‘Rise up, take courage, and do it.’ Ezra 10:4.

Karly with her coach, Katie Schaefer. (Courtesy: Keri Collins)

The biggest challenge for Karly this year is getting up early before school to practice. But with the help of her two coaches Katie Schaefer and Michelle Hardin, she is always reminded to take care of her body and get enough sleep.

Karly is currently a freshman at Yorba Linda High School where she also plays on the FROSH/SOPH soccer team. She loves to hang out with her friends, listen to music and have fun. She is always up for an adventure and loves trying new things. Her next challenge is to pass the Juvenile Moves and Free Skate tests. She has already passed four out of eight levels and is currently working on her 5th. Once she moves up the ranks, she only has three more levels to go. You go, girl!

This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.