Kendall Erne, Taira Shinohara Claim First Titles at 2025 U.S. Collegiate Figure Skating Championships
In a thrilling weekend in Flossmoor, Illinois, Kendall Erne and Taira Shinohara captured their first senior women’s and men’s titles at the 2025 U.S. Collegiate Figure Skating Championships, with competitions also highlighting spectacular performances from junior skaters.
Erne, representing Purdue University Global, impressed judges and audiences alike, finishing with a total score of 170.35. After a strong showing in her short program set to “Melancholy” by Alexey Kosenko, she scored 61.20, showcasing her remarkable triple Lutz-double toe loop combination. Her long program featured mesmerizing performances to Ennio Morricone’s masterpieces, securing the gold by nearly 13 points.
Following closely was Clare Seo from Stony Brook University, who clinched the silver with a total score of 157.46. Seo displayed technical finesse with a commanding performance, while bronze went to Maryn Pierce from the University of Denver, who totalled 155.49 points, showcasing consistent spins and solid jump techniques.
In the senior men’s category, Shinohara from the University of California, Irvine, dominated the field with a standout performance that fetched him 224.96 points. His artistic program to “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence” featured intricate elements, including a remarkable triple Lutz-triple toe loop combination, alongside impressive spins.
Among junior skaters, Emmalee Carlson of Normandale Community College captured gold in the women’s event with a total score of 124.42. Her electrifying free skate saw her soar above competitors to take home the title. Solomon Bristol from Boston University dominated the junior men’s event, defending his title with a stunning score of 170.10, leaving others trailing by 33.36 points.
Upcoming challenges await as the figure skating community watches the promising talents emerge at collegiate events across the nation. As athletes like Erne and Shinohara continue to push the boundaries of the sport, the future of figure skating looks incredibly bright.
