Above: Ashley Gonzalez, with coach Christina Wickenhagen, at The Rinks at Anaheim,
By Nicole Buddie
A Hispanic skater at the Pasadena Figure Skating Club dreams of being part of a milestone when it comes to representation on the ice.
Ashley Gonzalez, 11, has her heart set on becoming only the second Latina to make a U.S. Olympic Figure Skating Team (Catherine Machado, 1956).
A sixth grader, Gonzalez’s journey on the ice began before the COVID-19 pandemic at just 4 years old. From a young age she began to pave her own path in the sport.
“During group class I really wanted to take private lessons from the coach leading my class, so I chased her down and gave her my mom’s phone number,” Gonzalez said.
Bernadette, Ashley’s mother, agreed to follow through with lessons after seeing her daughter's commitment.
Born and raised in Merced, California, Gonzalez was adopted by a Latino family, which has allowed her to remain close to her roots and create traditions with her family.
Some of those very traditions were learned in the kitchen. Cooking surrounded by loved ones is one of Ashley’s favorite pastimes.
“I love cheese enchiladas with rice and beans, and I especially love the fideo [thin noodles] that my grandmother makes,” Gonzalez said.
Now living in San Gabriel, California, Gonzalez is surrounded by people who look like her and share the same culture — a wish from her birth mother for her to continue embracing her heritage. The California-natives’ family roots go back to Aguascaliente, Mexico.
One of few Hispanic skaters at her club, however, the young skater was recently put in a hurtful situation.
“A few months ago, I had a difficult moment when a skater at my rink asked me to go back to the border,” Gonzalez said.
Upset from the comment, Gonzalez replied unkind in her defense. The next couple of days Gonzalez found herself reflecting on her culture, and the skater who made the comment.
She came to realize that they both shared a passion for figure skating and that each of their heritages tell a beautiful story. With the help of both of their parents, they talked through the hurtful moment. They took the time to hear each other out and learn about each other’s culture. In that moment they realized that each of their presence on the ice allows them to represent their community and heritage. Gonzalez and the skater remain friends today.
That experience has motivated Gonzalez to set an example for other skaters of color and the youth.
“The presence of Hispanic skaters brings fresh perspectives, diverse artistry and a rich cultural influence to figure skating,” Gonzalez said. “Our traditions, music and storytelling styles add new layers of creativity to performances, while our shared values — like family and hard work —strengthen the community both on and off the ice.
“My culture’s emphasis on family and connection is what keeps me grounded.”
Her relatives are her loudest cheerleaders in the stands and that same spirit pushes her to be bold in her performance and when it comes to setting goals on the ice.
“I recently had the honor of representing my club at the Excel National Finals in Colorado Springs, Colorado,” she said. “I also got to visit the U.S. Figure Skating Museum and Hall of Fame. There I noticed how few Latino athletes have been part of the sports history — not because they were forgotten, but because there really has just been a small handful.
“That moment stayed with me. It made me realize how much representation matters and how powerful it would be for a young skater to see someone who shares their culture and story in that space. My dream is to one day earn my place in that history, not only as a skater but as a role model — showing that our heritage has a place on the ice, in the museum and in the highest levels of competition.”
An athlete with Mexican roots has inspired her to be brave when it comes to sharing her traditions and performing on the ice.
“Watching Mexico’s Donovan Carrillo make history at the 2022 Olympics was inspiring to me, and it showed how powerful representation can be,” Gonzalez said.
The hope for Gonzalez is that visibility in the sport could inspire other skaters of color to believe that they too can achieve their dreams and that they belong.
Gonzalez is working on landing her Axel and will compete in the Aspire 3 division this season. Qualifying for the Excel National Final and Festival is also a goal she hopes to achieve once again.
When Gonzalez is not at the Pasadena Figure Skating Club, one can find her outdoors on a mini-bike or playing volleyball. She also is involved in musical theater and is appearing as the Sour Kangaroo in “Seussical.” Her other hobbies include playing piano, gaming and visiting her sister attending college at Stanford.
Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), she said, is a chance for her to share her story, inspire others and honor her roots.
“My culture has really shaped me into who I am today,” she said.
