Formed in 1979 by Elaine Ahern, the Precisionaires at the University of Delaware were the first university affiliated synchronized skating team. She recruited girls from the university’s skating classes as a way to keep students interested in skating. The Precisionaires originally competed in the Junior Division, and eventually in the senior division. The Precisionaires became very successful after making the decision to move into the newly formed collegiate division, where they’ve received a pewter national medal in 2001, four bronze medals in 1999, 2004, 2006, and 2007, and were crowned with the silver medal in 2000 and 2008. In 2005, the Precisionaires officially changed their name to the University of Delaware Synchronized Skating Team.
The team is coached by UD Alumni and former Precisionaire, Wendy Deppe, and National Ice Dance Competitor, Megan O’Donnell. The team uses various off-ice training techniques to enhance their on-ice abilities. Jeff Schnieder, the UD athletic trainer, whips the girls into shape three times a week with cardio, resistance training, and core exercises. Jeff trains many high level UDFSC skaters. The team also participates in off-ice conditioning for an hour every week, taught by UD and Precisionaire Alumni Meghan Gelburd. This workout includes running, jump-roping, and many various strength building exercises.
University of Delaware Synchronized Skating Team 