Watertown Figure Skaters Qualify for U.S. Figure Skating National Excel Final
Jul 07, 2025 08:23AM ● By Kenzie Shiver
WATERTOWN, NY — Two local athletes from the Figure Skating Club (FSC) of Watertown are headed to Colorado next week after qualifying to compete in the invitation-only U.S. Figure Skating Excel Series Final, a nationally recognized event that brings together top talent from across the country.
Lilly Simmons, 13, of Fort Drum, finished the 2024–25 season ranked 9th out of 88 skaters in the Eastern region at the Pre-Juvenile Plus level. The top 10 skaters from each of the three regions — Eastern, Midwestern, and Pacific — earn invitations to compete, selected from a national field of 275 athletes skating at that level.
Lacy Hogan, 12, of Dexter, placed 12th out of 118 skaters in the Eastern region at the Preliminary Plus level. Out of 347 skaters competing nationally in her division, Hogan secured one of the top 12 spots awarded per region.
“What an amazing honor for these two young athletes to qualify for nationals in Colorado,” said Coach Sherry Robbins. “This was a goal both Lilly and Lacy set for themselves at the beginning of the season, and their hard work, perseverance, and dedication certainly made it happen. I couldn’t be prouder to be their coach and share this experience with my students.”
In addition to the national finalists, FSC of Watertown skaters Kenzi Bryden, Teagan Bryden, Eleanor Dowds, Leah Hogan and Marly Smerka will compete in the Excel Festival, a companion event for developing athletes who participate in at least two Excel Series competitions during the season.
Coaches Sherry Robbins and Ginny Faunce will accompany the athletes to the National Final and Festival, which take place at the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs from July 9–13, 2025.
The FSC of Watertown, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting achievement and participation in figure skating, offers instruction from U.S. Figure Skating and Learn to Skate USA-certified, award-winning coaches, with programs for skaters of all ages and levels — from beginner group classes to elite private training. For more information, visit www.skatewatertown.org.
