Former U.S. Champion Alissa Czisny, who finished a disappointing 10th at the 2010 national championship in Spokane, Wash., announced today that she has ended her professional relationship with coach Julie Berlin. The two began working together when Czisny was 11 years old.
“I have so much respect and appreciation for Julie, and I am extremely grateful for everything she has done for me during our time together,” Czisny said in a statement to U.S. Figure Skating. “Julie has always believed in me and has provided me with every opportunity to grow and improve in my skating career. I will always be thankful for the experiences we shared and the memories we created together.”
Czisny, who also lists Yuka Sato and Natalia Deller as coaches, had recently been working with 1988 Olympic Champion Brian Boitano, her mentor, and his longtime coach Linda Leaver, but did not announce if she had left them as well. Leaver worked with Czisny during the lead up to the 2010 U.S. Championships when Berlin was at the event with another student.
Under the coaching of Berlin, Czisny won a national championship and the 2007 bronze medal, moving on to compete at the World Championships both times. She was 11th at the 2009 Worlds, an improvement from her 15th place debut in 2007.
“For 12 years I have enjoyed developing Alissa into a national champion,” Berlin said. “It was great to see her reach her goals throughout the years and see her have success in international and national competition, and I wish her continued success as she pursues her skating career.”
On the Grand Prix, Czisny experienced spurts of success including the 2005 Skate America silver medal and the 2005 Skate Canada title. She was fourth at the Rostelecom Cup this season but improved to silver at Skate Canada. Czisny also recorded several lower placements, including ninth place showings at 2006 Cup of Russia and 2007 Cup of China.
Czisny currently trains at the Detroit Skating Club in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.
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