Bradie Tennell announces coaching change

[CanadianSkaterGuy]

I also think people are using Mirai as a cautionary tale for choreography being thrown out the window for higher technical. Mirai and Bradie are completely different skaters, and it’s not like Tom Z hasn’t produced results.

I think if Bradie gets a triple axel and/or quad, her skating can suffer for it and she’ll still pull the same PCS with the added difficulty. Right now she could be the most exquisite skater in the world with the best programs and won’t even come close to challenging in-form Russians/Kihira.

 

[theharleyquinn]

Tom Z may have gotten Mirai her 3A, but he couldn't make it work for Young You. It's Mie Hamada who solidified her technique and upped the consistency. He may be a tech specialist, but his technique may not work for everyone.

 

[Greengemmonster]

I find Bradie quite artistic and fast, something I did not pick up in the few times I've watched Mirai skate (tbh she looks really slow to me but I've only watched her like 3 times onscreen).

I think it's a good move in terms of trying something new out. Bradie's PCS is good and she's found a style that really suits her imo. I loved all her programs in the last two seasons. I think she needs the tech more than she needs artistry.

Bradie is going to be a really interesting case if she gets quads and a 3A in her twenties. I feel like she spent her younger years working on PCS. Reverse to everyone else!

 

[iluvtodd]

I didn't see this coming, but I wish Bradie all the success in the world!

 

[Kittosuni]

I get the worry of Bradie being stagnant artistry wise with Tom Z but even with the best choreo and most beautiful program if the content especially the jumps are not up to par with the top ladies, she ain't gonna win.

 

[DSQ]

I also think people are using Mirai as a cautionary tale for choreography being thrown out the window for higher technical. Mirai and Bradie are completely different skaters, and it’s not like Tom Z hasn’t produced results.

I think if Bradie gets a triple axel and/or quad, her skating can suffer for it and she’ll still pull the same PCS with the added difficulty. Right now she could be the most exquisite skater in the world with the best programs and won’t even come close to challenging in-form Russians/Kihira.

This.

She needs the jumps first to even have a chance.

 

[ManyCairns]

IIRC, and I never knew if it was even true, but it used to be said that Tom Z had his skaters "muscle" their jumps instead of utilizing the momentum of their speed across the ice. I hope this change works for Bradie and pays off big time, and that she doesn't lose any of her speed and command on the ice. She certainly does need to up her tech game to win, and she is gutsy to keep trying to add technical fireworks. I really love her skating and wish her much success.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

I don't see how Abbott didn't have good SS when he was with Tom Z - of course he developed with Sato, but he had already got incredibly strong basics when with Tom Z (he trained as an Ice Dancer initially actually). Nor did I see bad choreography there. I think he and Farris were just naturally artistic. Tom Z didn't develop that - but he didn't kill it, so it's certainly false that he never had any with strong skating skills and artistry, which is what I tried to respond to if you notice. The biggest example I'd give for Tom Z grinding out quality is Mirai Nagasu.

Same with Ryan Bradley who he trained for his whole career.

- - - Updated - - -

To Tom Z of all people? Sigh.. Bradie... why?

Because Frank Carroll isn't coaching anymore? He probably would have been the best and top coaching choice for her if he still was.

 

[Warwick360]

To Tom Z of all people? Sigh.. Bradie... why?

Exactly. Why girl? Whyyyy????

Max Aaron's lacklustre Lion King program/costume haunts me to this day.

 

[Tolstoj]

I loved Bradie's SP last year! I felt like that choreographer understood her and worked hard to design a program that suited her. She also seemed to love it.

Agreed.

I think with Benoit they succeeded at building an image for her and they weren't afraid to experiment with different styles leaving that comfort zone, which i really appreciate. If you look at that SP and what she used to skate 3-4 years back, it's completely different.

Even with the coaching change, if this collaboration continues i don't think her artistry will get compromised.

 

[Warwick360]

I know Tom is not a popular coach and he has his faults but I will never forget that he took a chance on Mirai when no one else would, whatever his reasons might have been.
Good luck Bradie!

That is true. That's the only positive I have towards Tom Z. At least managed to give her the 3A, and the consistency needed for 3-3. If only that Miss Saigon program had more details.

 

[Ic3Rabbit]

That is true. That's the only positive I have towards Tom Z. At least managed to give her the 3A, and the consistency needed for 3-3. If only that Miss Saigon program had more details.

Blame Jeff Buttle for that Miss Saigon program flatness.

 

[ali0125]

Practically TomZ is Bradie's best choice - Raf has Bell, Lee Barkell has Alysa, TCC is always full house. Bradie will have full attention from Tom Z. And there are other great coaches in Colorado Springs (Tom Dickson for example), can work with her for artistry.

 

[Princessroja]

I'd be lying if I said I didn't have grave reservations about this. But Bradie is a really intelligent young woman and she must see something here that I don't. I hope it really works out for her. (But also I'll miss her old coach, who seems really neat.)

 

[Skater Boy]

I think she wants to win which is good. She is motivated. Sometimes a change is all that is needed. The fact she wants to add to her repertoire shows she is saying Ms. Liu watch your back becaue I am coming after you I want my crown back. Maybe we will see Bradie on the podium at worls and the olympics because if she gets the 3A and or quad she will be a force to reckon with.

 

[Maribelle]

For those criticizing Tom Z, he did help Mirai with the technical skills needed for her to make the Olympic team. She was chosen as the team's short program skater and performed a triple axel under immense pressure and helped the US team medal. Her jumps improved and she did not get as many UR calls. There are always choreographers and dance coaches whom Bradie can enlist to elevate her artistic skating. I really have enjoyed Bradie's skating, she has perfect posture and has a very clean and pure skating style.

 

[macy]

For those criticizing Tom Z, he did help Mirai with the technical skills needed for her to make the Olympic team. She was chosen as the team's short program skater and performed a triple axel under immense pressure and helped the US team medal. Her jumps improved and she did not get as many UR calls. There are always choreographers and dance coaches whom Bradie can enlist to elevate her artistic skating. I really have enjoyed Bradie's skating, she has perfect posture and has a very clean and pure skating style.

you are correct, and no one is taking that away from Mirai. it's a huge accomplishment and she met her goal. but it's no question Tom is a very jump focused coach, and there wasn't much if any attention to the rest of Mirai's skating while she was with him, which is the concern with Bradie. if she keeps developing her artistic side along with gaining a 3A or quad she will be in great shape, but it's the concern if whether one will suffer for the other.

all we can do is wish her the best and i am rooting for her. i don't think she has reached her full potential yet, and hope she does well under him.

 

[natsulian]

Denise Myers, Bradie's former coach, wishes Bradie the best of luck as she begins her new chapter. She writes on Instagram:

Our Journey with Bradie has now ended, but will always be cherished. Times change, people change. But it’s absolutely certain that both Jeremy and I wish her the best in skating and - most importantly - life.

While I was Bradie‘s primary coach, she qualified for 11 US championships earning 6 medals, 2 National Championship titles, qualified for 3 World Championships and earned an Olympic Bronze medal in the team event in Pyeongchang. Most recently, in February 2020, Bradie earned a bronze medal at the Four Continent Championships.

Bradie is currently 2nd in the ISU World standings, and according to the ISU World standings, she is the highest US athlete in standings from all four disciplines as of (4/20/20).

I will always be proud of her and of our accomplishments together. Hard work speaks volumes.

Our team now eagerly looks forward to placing full attention on our new generation of athletes. As one chapter finishes, another begins!

Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/CEXFKLfJ1a3/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

[drivingmissdaisy]

Denise did a great job coaching Bradie. While I hope she continues to improve, it's possible her new team won't be able to product the same results for her. There are skaters like Amber and a few others who can threaten Bradie's World/Olympic spot if she fails to improve.

 

[readernick]

I am just happy that Denise handled her leaving well and made such a classy statement. A good lesson for other coaches.