Laced Up and All In: Kaiya Bishop's Skating Journey at Chelsea Piers
August 11, 2025
When 12-year-old Kaiya Bishop steps onto the ice at Chelsea Piers Sky Rink, she brings focus, grit, and the determination of someone twice her age. This summer, Kaiya took those qualities to the Excel National Festival in Colorado Springs, skating among the top figure skaters in the country at the Intermediate Plus level.
Out of 236 skaters nationwide who began the qualifying series, just 32 earned a spot at Nationals. Kaiya was one of them.
In her first-ever national-level appearance, she placed 8th in her group and was awarded a special pin for the excellent execution of one of the jumps. It’s an honor given only to a select few skaters whose precision and presence truly stand out.
It All Started with One Lesson
Kaiya first laced up her skates at age 6 in a Learn to Skate class at Sky Rink, part of the Chelsea Piers Skating School. Her love for the sport was immediate. Coach Helen Hyun-Bowlin saw that spark and began working with her one-on-one later that same year.
Kaiya with her coach Helen
Kaiya at the Excel National Festival
When the rink temporarily closed during the pandemic, Kaiya trained over Zoom. No ice, no excuses. She came back even more determined—and hasn’t stopped moving forward since.
Today, she trains with a tight-knit team of coaches and skaters, all of whom have helped shape her journey on and off the ice: Tanya Douglas, Jonathon Hunt, Emanuele Ancorini, and Marni Halasa. Her discipline on the ice is matched only by her achievements off of it.
More Than a Skater
Kaiya’s drive shows up everywhere. She’s an active member of her school’s debate team, an accomplished violinist who’s performed at Carnegie Hall, and a thoughtful teammate who brings curiosity and effort to everything she does.
What Community Looks Like
Kaiya’s story is hers—but it’s also part of something bigger. It reflects what happens when kids are given space to explore, the support of coaches, and a skating community that feels like home.
Making it to the National Festival is a big deal—and so is the joy she brings to the ice every day. We’re so proud of you, Kaiya!
Ready to start your journey? Explore our Learn to Skate and figure skating programs and see where it can take you.