From Sun Valley, Idaho to New York City sophomore Kirby Goodman has traveled around the country competing in figure skating events.

“I like to figure skate for fun, but it definitely becomes competitive,”  Goodman said.

Goodman’s parents placed her into lessons at the St. Louis Park Rec Center at age five and has been practicing at Minneapolis’ Parade Ice Garden ever since. She practices six days a week year round while balancing school and a social life.

“It’s hard to manage school, skating and other things but my parents arranged to get me a 7th hour study hall so I can leave early to practice and it definitely has helped me balance everything out,” Goodman said.

With practicing six days a week year round and leaving school early, Goodman has managed to accomplish fourth place in state and eighth place in regionals showing growth since the beginning of her start.

“(Figuring skating) is unlike a team sport because in a team sport you can do everything right  but you don’t get to personally see your improvements and accomplishments,” Goodman said.

Last May Goodman attended the Stars on Ice Tour and met and saw many 2014 Winter Olympic figure skaters. From Olympic gold medalists Charlie White and Meryl Davis to Olympic bronze medalists Ashley Wagner and Gracie Gold along with many more.

After watching many of the performances Goodman believes that being in the Olympics within the future would be a big dream come true.

As of right now, Goodman plans to continue to keep practicing and improving upon her skills so she can one day achieve her dream of being in the Olympics.

“I enjoy (figure skating) not only because it’s the only sport I do, but because as soon as you get on the ice you control your own path and forget about the stress in life,” Goodman said.