Many students at Hillsborough High School have hobbies like sports, art, and music. On top of school work, clubs, and a job, many find it difficult to juggle their extracurricular activity. However, this is certainly not the case for figure skater senior Cindy Dang.

Dang has been skating since she was 8, which makes this year her tenth year of figure skating.  Figure skating is not as common as other sports like volleyball or basketball, so getting a start in the sport is not as typical. Dang first got her start on the ice as she begrudgingly agreed to lessons with a friend; shortly after, she grew to not only enjoy the sport but also embrace it.  Dang soon joined the figure skating team, Glissad Skating Club. She has met some of her closest friends through the club. She also coaches young beginner skaters for Glissad.

Dang has accomplished several honors over the course of her figure skating career. She is a three-time US figure skating gold medalist, meaning that she has passed the highest level of figure skating tests in three different disciplines. Additionally, she has qualified twice for Ice Dance Nationals, earning two bronze medals.

 In addition to her accomplishments as a figure skater, Dang has accomplished a lot academically. Dang was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA.  She is currently undecided in what she will study but wants to narrow down a major along the lines of applied math. Dang also hopes to continue skating by joining Penn Figure Skating and would like to continue coaching her students at Glissad.

Dang is extremely grateful for the opportunities and lessons that figure skating has brought her. She has had a fantastic group of people who have influenced and cheered her on over the years. “My coaches,  have treated me like family over the years,” Dang said. “I’ve also had the opportunity to train with some amazing athletes, including Olympians and national champions.”

Dang is set for success once she arrives at UPenn as she has always had a great work ethic. She not only balances figure skating but also is diligent with her studies and other extracurriculars.