Some athletes dedicate their lives to their sport because the game was passed down through generations. Others because they dream of the fame and riches that come with reaching the pinnacle of their pursuit.

 

For Anna DeJohn?

 

“I had my birthday party at an ice rink and I thought it was fun,” said DeJohn.

 

The Windsor Central High School senior recently finished third in her flight at the Empire State Games in figure skating. Next up on the ice for DeJohn is trying to achieve the United State Figure Skating Association’s “Gold Medal” rating on the group’s four tests: dance, freestyle, moves in the field, and free dance. 

 

“Once you start getting to higher levels, it takes a lot of consistency to be able to keep progressing. I’d like to test out of all of those categories and keep competing for fun,” said DeJohn. 

 

DeJohn, who has been skating for ten years, skates four to five times per week throughout the year. She also coaches at the Learn to Skate program at SUNY Broome. 

 

“I would like to keep coaching and skating for fun,” said DeJohn.

 

As for what’s next off the ice for DeJohn, she is winnowing down her college choices. She wants to become a veterinary technician or veterinary radiologist. Much as she had a simple reason to want to start skating, she has another behind her career pursuit.

 

“I just really like animals,” said DeJohn. 

 

The senior, who is also a member of band, chorus, acapella, and KORT, will make her college choice in the next couple of months.