Alandra Williams, 18, of Bismarck's Capital Ice Chips, was named to the U.S. Synchronized Skating team following her participation in the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships this year.

Williams will be part of the Skyliners, one of four teams that will represent the United States in various international competitions. The Skyliners' competition will be held in Berlin, Germany.

At the end of August, Williams made the big move away from Bismarck and her parents, Melissa and David, to Monsey, New York, where she will take a year off and find a full-time job before starting college.

When asked how she feels about her new skating gig and moving away, Williams stated:

 I was very shell-shocked. When I started skating, I never thought this would happen... [While living in New York] I’ll learn a lot about the real world. My parents said they would be there if I need them, but I really want to do this on my own.

Williams undertook figure skating when she was younger, but quickly learned that she preferred something more team-oriented. After following her coach's advice to try synchro, she fell in love:

When I’m skating alone, I feel like everyone is staring at me... [Performing with a team] You can feel the energy from every single girl. Even if we don’t win, it feels good being together.

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