The 9-year-old's first time on the ice was at a birthday party at the Ellenton Ice and Sports Complex. She tagged along with her older sister to the party. After playing on the ice, Haley decided she wanted to switch from practicing gymnastics to ice skating. She started skating one month before her seventh birthday in the Basic Skills Learn to Skate program at the complex.

At first, Haley "didn't like all the falling," but a few months after her first venture onto the the ice she performed in front of an audience during the rink's annual Holiday Ice Show as a penguin.

Haley's commitment to skating has been a major focal point of her life. The Sarasota resident attends Bradenton Prep, a school that works with young athletes trying to balance both their sports and academics. Haley practices two hours a day from Monday through Saturday at the Ellenton complex. Along with her on-ice training, Haley also has a rigorous off-ice program, including practicing jumps and spins as well as lifting weights and cardio workouts.

Haley dreams of one day skating in the Olympics for Team USA. Her Busch Gardens performances continue until Jan. 1. The show schedule is on her Web site at http://www.haleybeavers.com/.

Read the full story here : Sarasota Herald Tribune