Katie's Journal

Past Journal Entries

September 21

It's been over a year since I've last written - - I'd almost forgotten about this page!  I'm sorry to have neglected those of you out there who still check the site and are curious about me.  I am genuinely appreciative for all the support I've gotten from Internet skating fans over the years; thank you for all the well-wishes.  It's always been a thrill for me to meet those of you whom I only know as screennames or via e-mail.

In case the news hasn't spread already, I thought I should officially announce my retirement from skating.  After all the problems I had last season with my knees, dealing with physical therapy and full-time college classes, it was time.  Quitting skating was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do, and I do miss it a great deal.  I am still coaching, and I stay involved in the sport that way.  It's strange to be at competitions with my students and be on the other side of the boards for a change.  I do go out on the ice and jump every so often, just for fun.  I am still close with many of my skating friends; I recently drove up to Chicago for a day to watch a competition and visit with my friend Jeremy Abbott, so I'm not completely out of the skating loop.  The people who are important to me will always be my friends, whether I am skating or not.

Outside of coaching, I am very active on campus and am placing my focus there.  I had a 4.0 spring semester, took 2 summer classes, and I'm now living on campus and working hard at my studies.  I had the opportunity to attend the National Broadcasters Association convention and the Broadcast Educators Association conference last spring, and I'm looking forward to going to the Illinois Broadcasters Association conference in a few weeks.  Right now, I'm the associate producer of Midstate Magazine, our campus TV show, and I am loving every minute of it.  (Anyone out there who works in television and who would like to employ me, feel free to let me know!)

My family has moved back to Long Island, and my younger sister just began her freshman year at Webb Institute.  I can't believe she's all grown up... and how adult I've become, now that I'm on my own, halfway across the country from my family.  I'm proud of everything I've accomplished in the last few years, and looking back at my old journal entries, I'm hardly the same person. I am hoping now that I'm not training, I might get to explore this thing I hear so much about... I think it's called a "social life", and just generally excited about all the future holds.

I guess to sum things up: I'm proud of everything I accomplished in skating... I achieved (and surpassed!) every goal I ever set for myself, and proved a lot of people wrong along the way.  I overcame a lot of difficulties and learned so many life lessons, and made friends who I'll never forget.

There are some people I want to recognize here in my final entry... bear with me.

My family:  I love you.  I love you.  I love you.
Linda, Gene and Larry:  Thank you for being my surrogate parents when I was a scared little girl away from home.  I don't know where I'd be without you.
All the coaches I've ever worked with:  You've all given me your own gifts and touched me in so many ways.  I am so grateful.
Phillip Mills:  I'll never forget the day you called me "your muse"; the biggest compliment I've ever received.  Thank you for turning me from a jumper to a skater.  You are truly an artist.
Christine: For setting up this site, it has been such a pleasure working with you over the years!  You took the time to notice me even though I spent most of my time on the ice on my bottom!
Aaron W:  For being my cheerleader, promotions manager, and an all-around amazing friend.
Schmeck, Sylvia, everyone at Rinkside:  For all the teddy bears and for recognizing me when no one else did.
Teresa Crouch: The first coach I ever had.  I was 4 years old.
Bruce at White Bear Lake Sports Center:  For letting me in at 5am and resurfacing at my request.  You spoiled me so much!
The Dwelly Family:  For Mike's emergency skate sharpening, Missy's inspiration, and Bev just being her amazing self.  I'll always remember sharing FS10 with you.  I love and miss you.
Sarah Gwizdaloski:  Words cannot describe. 
Danny Clausen:  You'll never know how much you inspired me; that you don't have to be a primadonna to be a great skater.  For being a mentor, big brother, counselor, role model, and all your bear hugs.  You really are my hero.
Gailene Norwood:  Grandma Coach, I love you.  Thank you for believing in me, even when I didn't. 
All the judges, officials, rink monitors, Zamboni drivers, rink managers, skate sharpeners...
To my friends:  Alysa W., Rohene W., Viktors A., Ben M., Jeremy A., Wesley C., Matt S., Jason H., Angie L., Katie Mc., Adam C., Josh U., Josh F., Becky S., Tanya T., Tyler E., Sam S., Mike C., and anyone I've left out - -

You've all helped me to become the person I am today.  I'm so thankful to have met you and have been given the gifts I have.  Skating will always be a part of me, and so will all of you.  Thank you.  Thank you.  Thank you.

Katie