When Krista Cianfrani entered her daughter in Neapolitan Family’s annual cover contest, we knew that we didn’t just want Daniella on the cover; we wanted to hear her story. From her application, we learned Daniella is a competitive adaptive ice skater through U.S. Figure Skating (USFS) and is working with the Special Olympics to create more adaptive categories on the ice. Reminiscent of the cult favorite movie “Ice Castles”, a story about a competitive ice skater who becomes disabled by her loss of eyesight after an accident yet works hard to achieve her goals, we wanted to hear more.
At five feet three inches tall, this tween athlete doesn’t look 12 years old and, as a homeschooled student with multiple weekly therapy appointments in addition to her daily ice skating and dancing schedule, she isn’t living the typical life of a fifth grader. We met Daniella at Hertz Arena in Estero, where she practices skating up to five days per week, to have our cover photographer Monica Alvarez capture her glide, spin, and jump on the ice after one of her private sessions with her coach. Daniella’s serenity and confidence on the ice were inspiring, as her cheeks glowed from the hard work and cold air.
Krista explained that her daughter requires accommodations on the ice for autism and sensory processing disorder. Some accommodations include asking the audience not to clap during a performance, dimming the lights and lowering the music volume, and increasing time between skating tests and programs. Recently, after a few injuries and frequent illnesses forced Daniella to take a break from the ice and her other hobby of dancing, she was also diagnosed with a rare disease called Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID). CVID is a group of genetic diseases where the immune cells don’t make antibodies, making individuals more susceptible to recurrent and severe infections. In addition to physical therapy for her injuries, she now needs to travel to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood, Florida, for immunotherapy.
We talked to Daniella about her journey.
Q. How old were you when you started ice skating, and do you remember what it felt like to be on the ice for the first time?
A. I was 2 years old when I first started skating. It felt like I was an ice princess on a cloud of ice, and it was very cold. I just wanted to skate and learn tricks. I felt happy, determined, and at home. I knew what I was made for.
Q. How does skating make you feel now?
A. Figure skating makes me feel free and accepted, and I [don’t have to] hide who I am. I feel happiness and joy when I step onto the ice. I feel unstoppable and ready. I love competing, traveling to new places and rinks, meeting new people, and making memories. Figure skating is all about your own journey and outdoing yourself and growing. Coach Kandis [Hawkins] also makes me feel proud of who I am becoming and what I am achieving.
Q. How often do you practice skating?
A. I skate four days a week and sometimes five before a competition. I skate up to 12 hours a week on the ice and train two hours off the ice with my coach.
Q. What is adaptive skating?
A. Adaptive Skating is a USFS program that allows children and teens with a wide range of disabilities access to the sport of competitive figure skating for recreational fun. It really allows us to fit in and feel powerful and comfortable, and gives us the opportunity to be proud of who we are and make the sport fun and inclusive. It’s our time to shine and show others that no matter what disability we have, we are just as amazing and talented and will accomplish big things as well!
Q. What awards and recognitions have you won?
A. I was invited to compete for Nationals Showcase for USFS as a Special Olympics skater. It was such an honor to compete and represent Florida as a figure skater. My mom and I are bringing awareness to the sport and to USFS headquarters in Colorado in the hope we can continue to expand the levels of Adaptive Skating (Daniella’s mom noted: Currently, the skills level for adaptive skating is capped, so once those skills are achieved, the skater cannot aspire to increase the difficulty of their programs). We are trying to bring Adaptive Skating to other areas in this sport, such as Ice Dance. We want to see Florida Special Olympics fully recognize Figure Skating as a sport so one day, children from Florida will be able to have the opportunity to compete and represent the USA Special Olympics in Figure Skating.
I got a recognition award from Gliding Stars of Florida in Orlando from Ms. Terri [Misgiv], who has the only Adaptive Figure Skating club in Florida. The award was for me representing Florida as a competitive Adaptive Figure Skater and inspiring others. She is doing huge things for kids like me!
I was also invited to compete at the USFS at showcase Nationals in Boston in 2023 and compete my three Showcases as a Young Adult Special Olympics Figure Skater from Florida, and welcomed to compete at Nationals for the years to come!
Q. When did you start dance lessons and what do you love about dancing?
A. I started dancing when I was 2 years old and have been with Dance Arts by Maria [in Naples] since I was 3.
Q. What do you love about performing with the dance team? What is your favorite type of dance?
A. I love the feeling that I belong and my team and studio makes me feel welcomed, and I get to dance with my fabulous friends and teachers. Maria has been a huge part of my journey. She helped bring my talent and passion out. I love contemporary and lyrical the most, but I also like the energy and sass of jazz.
Q. What challenges did you have with dancing?
A. My challenge with dance was getting out of my comfort zone to talk to the girls and make friends in group classes because I used to take private lessons with Maria. But she wanted me to grow and experience more. I also had a serious double ankle injury where I could not dance or figure skate for six months and lived at physical therapy and doctors’ offices, on top of always being sick and having to remain at home and away from friends.
Q. What are your hopes for the future?
A. I want to keep inspiring kids like me with all unique abilities and differences to skate, and help them succeed and have a friend. I also hope to inspire others and make people feel touched when I dance or compete at my figure skating competitions. I hope to land my axel and double salchow and double loop very soon.
Q. What would you like to be when you grow up?
A. I want to be a figure skating coach so I can help others have fun and smile like I do and achieve their goals. My coach, Kandis Hawkins, is my inspiration and has helped me so much. I am so blessed for her always being there. She has helped shape who I am. I really want to give back to others.