2025 U.S. Nationals Novice Pairs SP & FS

[Silevril Ilumire]

My capacity for remembering skater’s names actually does have limits, so I don’t remember most of the novice pairs’ names, but I see that Apter’s former partner Milada Kovar is now in Juniors with Jared McPike. Jared went to Youth Olympics with Cayla Smith. I sure would like to see Cayla and Sonia Baram get partners (if it’s what they still want).

 

[Fire & Ice]

I never saw a mirror pair before. The Meeks were exciting to watch. I thought everyone looked pretty good, but is it my imagination, or are they doing more difficult elements than last year? Especially the lifts. Also the novices look older than last year? I missed the adorable Taich and Chapa from last Nationals (2024 silver medalists). Do you know why they were not here? I was really hoping to see them again.

The scores this year are higher than last year. More difficult elements.
Kerr / Castelletti are the oldest Novice pair. I believe he is 21.
Meek / Meek M&M are the youngest novice pair.
M&M both started skating at the age of three, and have skated pairs together for five years.
They both also skate individually.

Taich / Chapa, I believe that he aged out. Baylen Taich then skated with Jared Mcpike for a short time, then broke off the partnership.
Now Baylen is skating Intermediate women's and doing great. She is looking for a new partner.
Mcpike is skating with Miranda Kovar in Junior Pairs.

 

[Silevril Ilumire]

Thank you @Fire & Ice! I’m grateful for the information. I hope to see Baylen Taich again someday with the perfect partner. Such a charming little skater. I’m glad that she is doing well in singles while she waits . Also fascinating information about the Meeks. There is a mirror pair among the juniors as well, Shapalovova & Griffin. I think I may have mixed them up a little, though I can see now they are actually quite different. I wasn’t able to watch everything before it was taken down, but I enjoyed what I saw.