After receiving multiple concussions from soccer, Trozzo realized she needed a no-contact sport. Because she used to dance and she loves where art meets sport, she decided to start ice skating. “It feels freeing to be on the ice,” senior Anna Trozzo said.

“It’s never too late to start. I know adults who still skate. You just have to put your mind to it.” Trozzo has been skating for two years but has already made significant progress.

Trozzo practices at Brigade Sports Complex in Annapolis and Piney Orchard Ice Rink in Odenton. She tries to practice at least five days a week, putting in at least ten hours of work each week, year-round. Besides attending open-skates, she meets with private coaches weekly to improve her skills.

“When you fall you always have to get back up and that can be really tough sometimes especially when you’re struggling with a move,” Trozzo said.

Falling is a common occurrence in ice skating, and even Olympic skaters fall during competitions. The New York Times reported that skaters land from jumps with a force that can be 10 to 20 times their body weight. This can lead to complications later in life, especially in the hips, knees and ankles.

Although Trozzo has not had any serious injuries from her sport, she has suffered a few minor ones. “I had to take a break a couple weeks before a competition because I strained my knee,” Trozzo said. However, she has managed to successfully complete all her competitions so far. She finished first place in her very first competition two years ago.

Trozzo plans to continue ice skating for the rest of high school and throughout college. “When you push yourself and practice, [the sport] never fails you,” she said.