Monday, Nov. 30, 2009

Sisters in skating: Kennewick teens best friends since first lesson 9 years ago (w/ video)

By Kristi Pihl, Herald staff writer

KENNEWICK -- Soleil Roth and Annalisa Naccarato fly across the ice like magic.

The teens fluidly flow into spins, pulling a leg over their head or folding themselves into a pancake spin.

They jump, revolving in the air before landing. Although they make the complicated moves seem effortless, the longtime friends, skating partners and competitors spend about 12 hours a week on the ice to perfect their skills.

Soleil, 14, and Annalisa, 15, both members of the Tri-City Figure Skating Club, met nine years ago at their first group skating lesson at the Toyota Arena in Kennewick. They've been best friends ever since.

Soleil said all she remembers about the first lesson was that she had to wear a helmet and Annalisa didn't.

But she and Annalisa have been told: "You guys stepped onto the ice at the same time," she said.

Both are freshmen at Kamiakin High School in Kennewick and compete in the novice category, which is the third highest competitive level in U.S. Figure Skating. The duo skate four mornings a week and five afternoons, taking weekends off.

Annalisa and Soleil are supportive of each other, said Mary Roth, Soleil's mom. Because they have the same schedule, they understand what the other goes through to excel in skating and school. Annalisa and Soleil are straight-A students.

About one day apart seems to be their limit, said Julie Naccarato, Annalisa's mom. After that, the two are on the phone or texting.

Soleil said Annalisa is almost like a sister.

"I can't get rid of her," Annalisa joked.

"Why try?" Soleil added.

Through skating, Soleil has learned to set and achieve goals, Mary said.

Skating has taught Annalisa to be tough and stand up for herself, Julie said. Both have learned to manage their time well.

Soleil and Annalisa can land a double axel, a difficult jump where the skater takes off facing forward and has 21/2 revolutions in the air before landing backward.

The double axel is a turning point for female skaters, said Alexander Lunin, professional figure skating coach. He and his wife, Alena Lunin, coach both girls.

Now, they are working on landing triples, where they revolve in the air three times before landing. Soleil has landed the triple salchow, and the two also are focusing on the triple loop and toe loop.

Soleil and Annalisa are strong skaters in their level, Lunin said. They are well-known regionally.

They are good kids, fun to work with, and have a good sense of humor, Lunin added.

Lunin said he wants them to become the best that they can with figure skating. They have the potential to become nationally-known. Lunin is hopeful they will both qualify for nationals next year.

Annalisa said they both could become good skaters.

"It's almost like I can't quit at this point," she said. "I've made it so far."

Soleil attended junior nationals in 2006 and 2007. Annalisa also went in 2007 and again in 2008.

Even when they are competing against each other, they still are rooting for the other, Soleil said. They've been friends for so long, Annalisa added. Plus, neither of them consistantly beats the other.

Annalisa returned recently from sectionals, held in Jackson Hole, Wyo. She placed fourth at regionals in October, while Soleil took sixth.

Annalisa placed tenth out of 12 in the short program and last in the long. Still, it was a good experience for next year, she said, as both will remain at the same competition level.

The rivalry can be difficult when one of them goes to a competition and the other doesn't make it, Soleil said. Annalisa said attending sectionals was bittersweet because Soleil didn't go.

Landing their triples will make them competitive, Annalisa said.

"We'd be unstoppable."

Soleil said neither is certain where skating will take them. Both get asked if they intend to aim for the Olympics.

"If we make it, it's awesome," Annalisa said. "But if not ..."

"That's just the way it goes," Soleil finished.

* Kristi Pihl: 509-582-1512; kpihl@tricityherald.com.