In the 2002-03 season, Courtney McMurtry, of the Detroit SC, won the Novice bronze medal at Eastern Great Lakes Regionals and placed 7th at Midwestern Sectionals. McMurtry, 14, is coached by Allen Schramm, and plans to stay Novice in 2003-04. Her choreographer is Igor Shpilband.

When and how did you begin skating?
I began skating at the age of 6. I started at a local ice rink after watching the 1994 Olympics.

What are your long-term goals in skating, and off the ice?
My long-term goals in skating are to medal at Nationals, Worlds, and the Olympics. My off ice goals are to keep straight A's going into and throughout high school. I also would like to attend Harvard Law School.

What are your goals for the coming season?
My goals for this season are to make top 6 at Novice Nationals and continue to improve my skating all season.

What music are you planning to use? What elements do you have planned?
I am using a Symphonic Poem (The Moldau) by Bedrich Smetana for my short program and a medley of Santana for my long program. I am planning several double axels and right now I have planned all the triples in my long program. Whichever triples are the most consistent at the time will remain in the program for competition.

Are you planning to compete in any club competitions this summer? If yes, which ones?
I am planning to compete at Grand Rapids in June, Skate Detroit in July, and one more competition before Regionals.

Can you confirm that you will be moving with your current coach, Allen Schramm, to Texas?
Yes, I will be moving to Texas in August with my entire family.

In which region will you compete -- Southwesterns or Eastern Great Lakes?
I have not yet decided which region I will be representing.

Will you share your most memorable and embarrassing skating moment?
My most memorable skating moments would have to be getting my double axel, winning regionals [Juvenile in October 2000], and skipping Intermediate and going straight to Novice the following season. Oh my gosh, I have so many embarrassing skating moments! Running into the boards at Sectionals, my scrunchie falling out at Regionals, falling on a little hop at Junior Nationals, and stepping on the ice with my guards on!

What do you consider the weakest and strongest aspects of your skating?
I would say that my strongest elements are my double axel and sit spin. I am working on improving my spirals.

What is your favorite jump, spin and connecting move?
My favorite jumps are double axel and triple lutz. My favorite spin is the sit spin, and I love the challenge of learning new and difficult footwork!

Who are your favorite skaters and why?
There are so many skaters that I look up to: Sasha Cohen for flexibility and her overall skating ability, Timothy Goebel for his amazing jumps, Alexei Yagudin for his footwork, Tara Lipinski for accomplishing so much at such a young age, and Michelle Kwan for her work ethic and true love for the sport.

Who has had the greatest impact on your skating?
My coaches and parents have had the greatest impact on my skating. They have always encouraged me to strive to be the best skater and person I can be. Also they always know how to help me out of a bad day and turn it into a good day.

What are some of your off ice hobbies?
I love to water ski, snow ski, wakeboard, jump on my trampoline, read, watch reality TV, and hang out with my friends.

What is it about skating that makes you love it so much?
I love the freedom and having the ability to always learn new things. I love skating so much that I still get excited even for everyday practices!