athletes

U.S. Synchronized Skating Team


Resources
Each year U.S. Figure Skating nominates approximately 10-15 high-achieving synchronized skating teams to the U.S. Synchronized Skating Team, also known as Team USA. Each qualifying team receives funding and an assignment to an international competition. Selection to Team USA is based primarily on a team's most recent performance in the junior or senior level at the most recent U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships. The head coach of a team that is selected for the international program selects the athletes to the team. An international team is comprised of 16 athletes and a maximum of four alternates. U.S. Figure Skating strictly adheres to this policy, and athletes beyond the maximum of 20 are not permitted to participate in any Team USA activities or receive any of the privileges or benefits.

There are four team levels:

  • Envelope A
  • Envelope B
  • Envelope C
  • Reserve Team

The primary difference between the levels is funding. The higher the envelope a team is assigned to, the more financial support it receives from U.S. Figure Skating. Athletes in envelopes A, B and C receive funding. Reserve teams do not receive financial assistance, but they are offered an opportunity to participate in an ISU-sanctioned international competition at their own expense.

U.S. Figure Skating's goal for Team USA is to win as many medals as possible at international competitions. Teams assigned in the international program are provided with several tools to do so, including:

  • U.S. Figure Skating-funded monitoring sessions
  • Entry fees paid for ISU competitions
  • Team leaders and team physicians provided for ISU competitions
  • Synchronized Team Envelope Funding (STEF), a training grant ranging from $7,200-$14,600 per team
  • Travel grants to help offset the cost of traveling to an ISU competition ranging from $10,200-$17,600 per team
  • Team USA clothing grants ranging from $50-$100 per athlete
  • Airfare and housing expenses for all athletes qualifying for the World Synchronized Skating Championships and World Synchronized Skating Challenge Cup for Juniors