Training Town: Kissimmee, FL; Glen Allen, VA; Metulla, Israel
Coaches: Valentin Nikolayev, Antoninia Berekhovskaia, Andrei Berekovski
Rachel began skating when she was 5-1/2 years old in North Hills, California. She participated in the ISI group lessons once each week, which were supplemented by her private coach, Miss Maria Causey. All was going well until the Northridge Earthquake in January 1994, when her family decided to relocate to Orlando, Florida, where the ground was less shaky.
Rachel continued to love skating and started the ISI group lessons again at her new rink, Rock On Ice in Orlando, Florida.
At the age of 7, Rachel wanted to do ice dancing. She made a deal with a 10 year old boy at the rink, who wanted to do pairs, that if he would dance with her, she would do pairs with him. She began traveling 4 hours a day, three times a week to and from Tampa, Florida to train pairs with Coach Brian Kader, Coach Lyndon Johnston, and dance with Frederic Paullel.
Rachel continued to compete in pairs, dance and singles until she was 10 years old. Then she decided to concentrate only on her singles, as that was her true love.
At the age of 10, Rachel decided that she wanted to skate for Israel, and made her goal to do all she could to make her dream come true. At the age of 16, she finally had the opportunity to fulfill her dream . . . and she is on the Israel Ice Skating Federation competitive team.
Rachel's credentials include:
USFS Tests: Senior Moves in the Field, Senior Free Skating, Silver Dance, Intermediate Pairs.
USFS Competitions: 3 time Junior Olympian, Sectional and Regional Competitor.
Internationals: Kempen Trophy, 2003; ISU Junior Grand Prix, 2004
Community Service: Volunteer ISI Learn to Skate Instructor, Volunteer Special Olympics Skating Instructor.
The most difficult of the obstacles along her way to her dream, has been her injuries. However, despite the setbacks caused by the injuries, her heart and spirit have never faltered. Never a disheartening word could turn her away from her skating. She always kept her positive attitude. She always found the inner strength to recover stronger, better and with more determination than ever to reach her goals. So, no matter what the outcome will be, she will always be "gold" in her heart to those who know her.
Representing the Skating Club of Metulla
for the Israel Ice Skating Federation
Rachel is in need of sponsors. She needs help to pay her travel expenses and training expenses while in the United States. We will list and link all sponsors on each page of her site. Any amount of contribution is welcomed. For details please email me.
