Three members of the Albert Lea Figure Skating Club passed on-ice testing to advance to new levels in the sport, according to a press release.

The U.S. Figure Skating Association encourages members to test their skills to challenge their abilities. It also requires members to pass tests to qualify for certain competitions.

Tests are the measurement of progress in the various branches of the sport. Each level has required elements, and they become more difficult as skaters move up levels.

Katie Bradley, an eighth-grader at Alden-Conger, passed the pre-preliminary free skate and moves in the field test — the first of eight levels. She’s been figure skating for six years, all with the Albert Lea club. Bradley also enjoys volleyball, four-wheeling, hunting and snowmobiling.

Kailey Christensen, a freshman at Albert Lea High School, passed the pre-preliminary free skate and moves in the field test — the first of eight levels. She’s been figure skating for seven years, six of them with the Albert Lea club. Off the ice, Christensen participates in ALHS track and choir.

Ella Zelenak, an eighth-grader at ALHS, passed the pre-preliminary free skate and moves in the field test, the first of eight levels. She’s been figure skating for seven years, all with the Albert Lea club. Zelenak also participates in ALHS soccer, track and choir.

All three skaters were coached through their testing by skating professional Karen Rothgery and are now coached by skating professional Anne Sternhagen of the Albert Lea club.

These skaters will perform in the club’s annual show, “Home on the Rink” March 22 and 23 at the Albert Lea City Arena.