SARA K. WARD
Sara Katherine Ward won the 1993 U.S. Novice Pairs title with J. Paul Binnebose. In 1994, the duo placed third at the US Junior level and 9th at the World Junior Championship.
Sara and her next partner, Lance Travis, were 5th at the 1996 U.S. Championship, which allowed them to compete internationally at several events, including Skate America.
Sara’s favorite memories of her skating career are “from when I took from Irina Rodnina and Elena Tcherkasskaia in Lake Arrowhead, CA. They were always making me laugh but also teaching me important lessons about life and working hard, which I still think about every day. Irina and Elena would show my partner and I a pair element or position they wanted to be done. At the same time they were teaching us difficult things, they would joke around. Elena would pose and say, "I'm the girl and Irina is the boy." Then they would fight over who was the girl or the boy. Having a sense of humor is key in an intense sport. Irina used to tell me that in life no will help you -- you have to be strong for yourself. She taught me a lot about having a strong sense of character and being self-motivated. It helped me place 5th at Nationals in Senior Pairs that year.”
When it came to ending her competative skating career, Sara recalls, “I didn't really retire. I went to Drew University in 1998, double majored in French and Political Science and graduated four years later in 2002 with a B.A. School took precedence at the time and I finally wanted to be on the same schedule as everyone else. I later discovered that no one was on the same schedule, so I didn't miss out on much during my skating career. I recommend that every skater continue their education and get their degree, so that not only will they have something to fall back on, but they will expand their mind. Going to college is also a time for social growth more than anything. I truly believe in the Greek ideal of a "Strong mind in a strong body." After I finished school, I decided to get my Gold dance tests this past year and Senior Freestyle, so that I have all the Gold Tests. I am also planning on competing in Pairs again this year because I am healthy, and happy, and why not!”
In addition to training, Sara explains, “I have been working full-time as a paralegal at Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C. in Florham Park, NJ and I have been teaching at Mennen Arena in Morristown, New Jersey. I have learned a lot of research skills at my paralegal job and teaching skating is very rewarding for me. I am also working with a Special Olympic Pair team, Kristen Clark and Michael Ferriaoli, and that has been extremely rewarding to work with such hard working people who really share my joy for the ice. Being a part of a sport that requires hard work and dedication to succeed has led me to lead a life that requires the same. I set my goals high, and I am very motivated and determined to do everything I have ever dreamed.”
Sara and her next partner, Lance Travis, were 5th at the 1996 U.S. Championship, which allowed them to compete internationally at several events, including Skate America.
Sara’s favorite memories of her skating career are “from when I took from Irina Rodnina and Elena Tcherkasskaia in Lake Arrowhead, CA. They were always making me laugh but also teaching me important lessons about life and working hard, which I still think about every day. Irina and Elena would show my partner and I a pair element or position they wanted to be done. At the same time they were teaching us difficult things, they would joke around. Elena would pose and say, "I'm the girl and Irina is the boy." Then they would fight over who was the girl or the boy. Having a sense of humor is key in an intense sport. Irina used to tell me that in life no will help you -- you have to be strong for yourself. She taught me a lot about having a strong sense of character and being self-motivated. It helped me place 5th at Nationals in Senior Pairs that year.”
When it came to ending her competative skating career, Sara recalls, “I didn't really retire. I went to Drew University in 1998, double majored in French and Political Science and graduated four years later in 2002 with a B.A. School took precedence at the time and I finally wanted to be on the same schedule as everyone else. I later discovered that no one was on the same schedule, so I didn't miss out on much during my skating career. I recommend that every skater continue their education and get their degree, so that not only will they have something to fall back on, but they will expand their mind. Going to college is also a time for social growth more than anything. I truly believe in the Greek ideal of a "Strong mind in a strong body." After I finished school, I decided to get my Gold dance tests this past year and Senior Freestyle, so that I have all the Gold Tests. I am also planning on competing in Pairs again this year because I am healthy, and happy, and why not!”
In addition to training, Sara explains, “I have been working full-time as a paralegal at Bressler, Amery & Ross, P.C. in Florham Park, NJ and I have been teaching at Mennen Arena in Morristown, New Jersey. I have learned a lot of research skills at my paralegal job and teaching skating is very rewarding for me. I am also working with a Special Olympic Pair team, Kristen Clark and Michael Ferriaoli, and that has been extremely rewarding to work with such hard working people who really share my joy for the ice. Being a part of a sport that requires hard work and dedication to succeed has led me to lead a life that requires the same. I set my goals high, and I am very motivated and determined to do everything I have ever dreamed.”
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