Buffalo State Senior Excels in Ice Skating, Classes

As a graduating senior and professional skater, Buffalo State alumna Jordan Bauth, '19, is proof that one can take on a variety of tasks, and be successful.

“My schedule is very crazy,” Bauth said.

In addition to taking a full semester of classes, Bauth was doing three-to-four hours of on-ice training six days a week and ballet classes. She also maintained her standing as an honors student, majoring in fashion and textile technology with a concentration in merchandising.

Backed by her family's athletic background and inspired by her mother and grandmother, she begged her mother to let her start skating at age four. Since then, she has received many accolades within her 11 years of competing nationally.

When Bauth skates, she lets her personality radiate through her body as she performs programs prepared months in advance, she said. The competition season goes from April through January, and requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Despite the long hours involved, Bauth always pushes through.

Her biggest injury was at age 20 when she tore a joint in her hip but continued throughout the season for another three months.

“It was awful but definitely worth it,” Bauth said. “It taught me a lot of inner strength that I didn't even know I had because I had to focus on what I needed to get done, and I got through it.”

She then went through hip surgery and recovered two months earlier than expected and continued to thrive in the figure-skating community.

A highlight in Bauth’s career occured at age 14 when she skated in the Youth Olympics of 2012 in Innsbruck, Austria, and won a gold medal. It was the first-ever Winter Youth Olympics, and she was the only singles female selected to represent Team USA.

Bauth traveled with her family and coaches as she stayed in Austria for two weeks in preparation for the youth olympics.

“The energy in the rink itself was nothing I've ever experienced before,” she said. “I met so many people from all over the world that shared the same love for skating as me.”

Bauth beamed as she shared her excitement from this experience.

“I couldn't believe it,” she said. “It really made me feel like everything I had put into skating finally paid off, and that's exciting because you put your life into training and when you get that gold medal, it's like everything you wanted.”

As an athlete, there are days when Bauth felt like she had a enough and wanted to quit. But, Bauth said, those are the days when you should push harder.

“That's what makes a champion—It's not about winning the medals, it's about what you've overcome,” she said.

With competition season approaching and graduation just passed, Bauth has had time to reflect on her achievements and the sacrifices she’s made, and she’s proud.

After graduation, Bauth has an opportunity to work with Royal Caribbean as a traveling athlete and performer. Despite a busy and sometimes tough schedule, Bauth is proof of what Buffalo State students can do when they apply themselves.

“I've achieved more than I thought I ever would,” she said.